Drone deliberately flown into Slingsby T.21B's approach path — cosmetic damage

A Slingsby T.21B on approach to Dunstable Airfield (Bedfordshire) was struck by a DJI Mini 2 drone at ~30 m AGL; no injuries, cosmetic damage only. The drone passed close to the passenger's head before striking the left wing leading edge; the glider landed safely. Recovered video showed the drone had been intentionally flown into the glider's approach path from Dunstable Downs. The young operators were below the 18-year minimum for the Operator ID the camera drone required; two adults accompanied them. AAIB cited deliberate operation of the drone outside regulatory limits.

1. Approach to land at Dunstable: The Slingsby T.21B (a 1947 vintage open-cockpit two-seater) was on final approach to Dunstable Airfield at about 30 m AGL with a pilot (59 yo, 864 h total, 3 h on type) and one passenger on board.
2. UA outside regulatory requirements: The UA was a DJI Mini 2 (249 g, camera-equipped) being flown from a public car park on Dunstable Downs, east of the airfield. The DJI Mini 2 requires an Operator ID (label on the UA, holder must be 18+). The recovered UA did not display an Operator ID; the AAIB later established the operators were below the 18-year minimum, although accompanied by two adults.
3. UA flown onto approach path: Memory card data recovered from the UA after the accident showed the UA was intentionally flown directly along the glider's approach path, with the glider visible in the UA's camera view in the seconds before impact. AAIB conclusion: 'The midair collision occurred because the UA was intentionally flown on the approach path of the glider.'
4. UA strikes wing leading edge: Several seconds after first sighting, the UA passed close to the passenger's head and struck the leading edge of the glider's left wing, then fell to the ground and was retrieved by the operators.
5. Pilot continues to normal landing: The pilot maintained control and continued the approach to a normal landing.
6. Cosmetic fabric damage; no injuries: Damage to the glider was limited to superficial damage to the fabric surface of the left wing leading edge. No injuries to the glider's two occupants. Damage to the UA was not assessed.