Cessna Citation Mustang (C510)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 1900; Flight Crew Type 150
Other / Unknown
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
While turning base to final for Runway 21 at Scottsdale; AZ; (SDL) I passed within approximately 100-200 FT horizontally; and no more than 50 FT vertically of a DJI Phantom Drone (I own one; hence the familiarity with it). The horizontal distance may have been closer as it was difficult to completely ascertain. I was moving at approximately 120-130 KTS IAS; the airport elevation is 1;510 FT MSL; but the approach is over gradually rising terrain; and over what appears to be a residential golf course development. I took immediate evasive action; and reported the incident to the Tower. The Tower Controller asked if it was a 'little radio controlled plane' to which I responded that it was a drone; and could have just been in a high orbit above the final approach flight path. While I cannot recall exactly; the Controller indicated he was a hobbyist and flew RC models. I spotted the object approximately 5 seconds before passing it and initially thought it was a bird. However; as it appeared closer; I could definitely see the distinct 4 quadcopter pillars and pick out the red tape on top of the unit. Keep in mind this unit has a cross section of about 12 inches; so I may have been much closer than I realize.These drones contain a 5200mAh; 11v; lithium polymer battery. While my engines have had to withstand bird ingestion testing; I seriously doubt they were tested ingesting such potentially explosive materials. This could have caused an explosion or other potentially fatal situation; (imagine it igniting a fuel tank if it struck the wing and caused a spark). I personally enjoy using my Phantom drone; and it provides unique perspectives that I enjoy; especially with my pilot background. I hate to take any action which could potentially result in the limitation of my ability to use it. However; as a pilot; and when carrying passengers; the assumption of the responsibility to safely start; continue; and end a flight requires that something be done. These units can be purchased for under $1;000; launched from a balcony directly in busy airspace (or non-busy airspace; until it is); and have the potential to completely cripple a small jet; or other aircraft.
CE510 Captain experiences a NMAC with a quad rotor drone at 1;000 FT AGL during approach to Runway 21 at SDL. Evasive action is taken and the event reported to the Tower.