(Trinidad Express) On December 8, a passenger plane over Port of Spain descending into the Piarco International Airport, came within six metres (20 feet) of unmanned drone.
The near miss has been reported to police and is being investigated by the Trinidad and Tobao Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) which issued a statement on what was a potentially catastrophic crash.
Drone operators were reminded of the height restriction for flying drones in all areas of the country.
In the case of the December 8 incident, the commercial flight was approaching the airport and at 1,067 metres (3,500 feet) when the left wingtip came close to the drone.
The TTCAA reminded that it was unlawful to operate a drone above 120 metres (400 feet).
“Thee TTCAA considers the operation of this drone in the vicinity of a manned commercial aircraft as a reckless and a very serious threat to the safety of the flight.
Operators are being warned that using a drone with intent to disrupt or endanger civil aviation of any public or private property shall attract a fine of $350,000 and five years prison.
