British Airways Incident Highlights Concerns Over Drone Safety

A British Airways flight landed safely after authorities believe it was hit by a drone as it landed in London. This case highlights a growing concern facing pilots worldwide.

Drones continue to grow in popularity all around the world, and even here in Oklahoma. But with that, concerns are also growing over how drones could impact airline safety.

Investigators say the British Airways plane was able to land safely at Heathrow Airport after the encounter. Engineers then examined the plane, and cleared it for flight. So far, no arrests have been made but police continue to investigate.

Drones are also a threat to air travel in Oklahoma. A recent report by the FAA says the agency receives more than 100 reports of drone sightings each month.

Between last August and January there were six close calls in Oklahoma. In one case, a drone nearly hit a medical helicopter en route to Mercy Hospital.

There were also reported sightings in Bethany, Holdenville, and Tulsa. The FAA reminds drone users it is illegal to fly drones near airports.