While there have been no reported incidents of drones and manned aircrafts actually colliding, a study has reported that there had been 327 close encounters between these two flying objects, and 241 of those are classified by the Federal Aviation Administration as near-collision incidents.
The researchers used 922 drone incident reports made to the FAA as basis of their study, The New York Times reported.
The results from the Bard College's Center for the Study of the Drone further showed that there were 28 instances when pilots had to actually veer away in order to prevent collisions and that 90 encounters involved commercial planes, the Associated Press reported.
Even more alarming is finding out that there are a total of 51 incidents where the drones were found in prohibited areas - within five miles of an airport.
"This report adds a critical layer of detail and context to the conversation on the use of drones at home. We are looking to furnish stakeholders and the public with a reliable, data-driven guide to the potential risks posed by drones to manned flight," said Dan Gettinger, co-director of the center and co-author of the report, according to NBC News.
"Preventing the kinds of incidents that could potentially pose a threat to public safety will likely involve a combination of approaches, and will most definitely depend upon the collaboration of a multitude of stakeholders," the authors concluded.
