Austral Embraer 190 damaged by drone collision

Chemical analysis of impact traces has convinced Argentinean investigators that an unmanned aerial vehicle collided with an Embraer 190 shortly before it commenced its final approach to Buenos Aires. Argentinean investigation authority JIAAC says the Austral Lineas Aereas twinjet – operating from Rosario Dec 22 last year – struck a foreign object at 4,080ft, some 20nm north-west of Jorge Newbery airport, but subsequently landed safely. Examination of the region of impact, on the fuselage, found an oily gel-like substance as well as fibres. These results suggested the material was carbon fibre while the oily substance appeared to contain organic compounds known to be present in batteries. None of the 75 occupants of the E190 was injured. <br/>