What happened
On August 1, 2018, at 15:02 UTC, a KZ VIII MOD aircraft, registration OY-KZS, was conducting a local pleasure flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). While flying at an altitude of 1,050 feet (QFE) approximately 1 nautical mile south-southwest of Herning (EKHG), the pilot spotted a drone positioned directly in the aircraft's flight path.
To avoid a collision, the pilot executed an immediate climbing maneuver and a sharp right turn. During this evasive action, the aircraft passed closely over the drone, with the drone's flight path taking it underneath the aircraft's left wingtip. After completing a 360-degree turn to re-establish visual contact, the pilot was unable to relocate the drone and proceeded to the intended destination at Stauning (EKVJ).
The investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board conducted an initial safety investigation into the incident. The investigation reviewed notification records and interviews to establish the sequence of events. The inquiry also examined the regulatory framework regarding drone operations in Denmark, specifically noting that regulations prohibit drone flight at altitudes exceeding 100 meters above terrain without special permission, and restrict operations within 5 km of a public aerodrome runway.
Findings
- The incident occurred during daylight hours under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
- The pilot successfully performed an evasive maneuver to prevent a mid-air collision with a drone.
- The drone's presence in the flight path posed a significant safety risk to the aircraft.