Pilot is left in 'shock' as planes miss by just 20ft

TWO planes are believed to have come within 20 feet of each other over Scotland, leaving a pilot in a “state of shock,” an official probe has heard.

- By Mike Merritt

Both pilots feared colliding, with one rating the risk as “high” and investigators admitting only a “lastminute” turn taken by one of the pilots “averted a likely collision”.

The UK Airprox Board, which investigates near misses, said safety had been compromised.

Both were Cessna 172 Skyhawks (C172) and were north of Stirling at around 1500 feet on February 13.

The first pilot said they noticed the other plane turning towards them. They descended and turned left as the other aircraft appeared to be aiming to their right.

The report said: “It was quite close. After passing the aircraft, it seemed to be turning towards them again so they manoeuvred round to the south east of Stirling.

“The aircraft appeared to be facing them again, so they routed south towards Falkirk to avoid the other aircraft.