Australian investigators are examining a Socata TB10 light aircraft to establish whether it struck an unmanned aerial vehicle during approach to Parafield airport in northern Adelaide.
The incident, if confirmed, is likely to increase concern over the potential threat of drones to air traffic, particularly commercial aircraft.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators state that the single-engined TB10 (VH-YTG) had been conducting its final approach to runway 03L on 11 July.
It struck an object which, the inquiry says, was "potentially" a remotely-piloted aircraft, sustaining minor damage to its starboard wing.
"Initial search of the area under the flightpath did not locate the object," it adds.
Investigators have identified the TB10 operator as Flight Training Adelaide, which provides pilot training for several carriers including Virgin Australia, IndiGo and Cathay Pacific.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
