Air Safety Board Says 'Flying Saucer' Sighting Near Gatwick Posed a Risk to Passenger Jet

The UK Air Safety Board says a reported “flying saucer” sighting near Gatwick posed a risk to a passenger jet during approach. In a newly released report, investigators found that an unidentified object passed an estimated 100 to 300 feet from an Airbus A319’s right wing in April, after the aircraft was already descending and banking left for London Gatwick. The pilot described a disc-shaped object with darker markings around its rim and suspected it could be a drone, but the identity could not be confirmed. Because the aircraft was committed to its landing manoeuvre, no evasive action was taken. The Airprox Board, which examines near-miss events, concluded the encounter reduced the aircraft’s safety margin. The report also references a separate April incident involving an Airbus A321 approaching Heathrow with a reported drone close encounter.