UK Police Report Their Helicopter in Near-Collision With UFO in May 2008
Last Updated: 8:05PM GMT 21 Nov 2008
The pilot managed to swerve out of the mystery aircraft's way while he was on a routine police surveillance task over the city centre earlier
this year.
The helicopter was also carrying two police observers during the journey in May. All three reported seeing a strange aircraft with two continuous
blue/green lights.
The report stated: "The front observer saw unidentified lights flying around their aircraft. The pilot established visual contact, as he manoeuvred
the aircraft to avoid a collision and to identify the light source."
The object was less than 100m away and flew around them.
The pilot told the Airprox Board he thought the intent may either have been sinister or just someone messing around. It was initially believed that
the object was a radio controlled aircraft and that it was purposefully flown around the helicopter. The report stated: "He (the pilot) believes the
lights may have come from a radio controlled fixed wing aircraft, the lights being to assist with night flying."
Despite searching the area with a thermal camera, the pilot was unable to find any signs of radio-controlled model activity.
And the British Model Flying Association ruled out the possibility, saying the mystery object was flying too high to be a miniature craft.
Nick Pope, who previously worked for the Ministry of Defence's UFO desk, said: "A helicopter was nearly blown out of the sky.
"This is a very disturbing incident which needs to be thoroughly investigated by the MoD and the Civil Aviation Authority as well as other near
misses.
"The conclusion on the report is unsatisfactory especially when this aircraft came within seconds of a collision.
"It is a very interesting case especially when you look at the eyewitnesses. They are credible and reliable sources who have experience in night time
flying."
"This sighting clearly illustrates that whatever one believes about UFOs, this incident raises important air safety issues and should be taken
seriously."
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Full Report of
Incident