A drone pilot who police said nearly caused a serious accident at a carnival flypast has pleaded guilty to endangering an aircraft in what could be the first prosecution of its kind, a force has said.
The drone was flown 'dangerously close' to the wing of an RAF Hurricane, which was being watched by an estimated 20,000 people on the ground, officers added. The worrying incident happened at the Buxton Carnival in July 2022, during a fly-past by the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane.
In a statement, Derbyshire Police said: "At the time, the fly-past had been protected by a short-term airspace restriction which banned all other flying in the area, including drones. Images captured on the day showed the drone flying dangerously close to the wing of the Hurricane, which was being watched by an estimated 20,000 people.
"Officers worked to identify the drone operator, a 49-year-old man from Buxton, and his drone was seized as part of their investigation. Analysis showed it was flying over Buxton at the time of the fly-past."
The force said Mark Bagguley, of Chatsworth Road, Fairfield, Derbyshire, was arrested and subsequently charged with endangering an aircraft and operating an aircraft out of the visual line of sight.
He pleaded guilty to both charges before magistrates at Chesterfield Justice Centre today - Monday. The case was adjourned until February, when a sentencing hearing is due to be held.
Police added in the statement: "Following the case today, which may be one of the first of its kind, the Civil Aviation Authority and police are reminding drone operators of the need to fly safely and legally."
Pc Matt Moore, Flight Safety Manager for the Derbyshire Constabulary drone team, said: "The way the pilot flew his drone was unsafe, illegal and totally unacceptable. “
"Anyone using a drone must follow the rules to make sure they fly safely. As a police drone unit, we know the benefits drones can bring to society but people using a drone in this way not only threaten the safety of aircraft and the public they also damage the future use of drones.
"This is for the safety of not only yourself but others around. Drones must be flown safely and legally, within the limits of the operating category they are flying in.
"This includes operator registration, pilot competency and maintaining separation distances from members of the public, built up areas and manned aviation. All drone operators are responsible for ensuring the drone is being flown safely and within the law at all times.
"Those found to be committing offences using drones will be investigated and could face prosecution."
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