"Unusual" drone spotted flying "dangerously" close to RAF aircraft over Lincolnshire as police appeal for information
Police are appealing for information after an “unusual” drone was spotted by the RAF flying “dangerously” over the Horncastle area.
Lincolnshire Police say the incident involved an RAF training aircraft and a drone, thousands of feet in the air over Lincolnshire.
“We are appealing for information after the crew of an RAF Prefect aircraft sighted a drone flying at dangerously high levels, near Wispington, Horncastle,” a force spokesperson said.
"The drone was being flown at 9000 feet, for safety reasons the maximum legal height limit a drone can be flown at is 400 feet.
“The incident happened around 3pm on Tuesday 26 May in the airspace above the Wispington area.”
Police confirmed the two-seat RAF aircraft had set off from RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford.
Kev Taylor, Chief Drone Pilot and Flight Safety Manager for Lincolnshire Police, added: “We know the majority of drone pilots fly legally and safely and although it’s unusual to see drones at this height, we have sadly seen this before.
"Lincolnshire Airspace is very busy with the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain, Air Ambulance and many military and civil crewed aircraft flying daily alongside many drone flights. It goes without saying the safety of all air users is paramount.”
The force spokesperson added: “We would like to hear from anyone who has any information that will assist us in identifying the pilot of this drone. Please contact Lincolnshire Police by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101 quoting incident number 344 of the 26 of May 2026.”