The local police of the Rivierenland zone have identified the owner of a drone that crashed earlier this month on the playground of the Technische Scholen Mechelen secondary school.
The incident, which occurred on 19 November, has prompted a formal investigation into multiple aviation law violations.
According to police, the drone collided with a building before falling onto a tree and eventually landing on the school grounds in the Onder-Den-Toren neighbourhood. The damaged aircraft was discovered by school personnel and handed directly to police officers, who immediately began tracing its origin.
Following an examination of the device and the retrieval of flight data, investigators identified the operator as a 47-year-old man from Mechelen. Authorities later confirmed that the man had no official certification as a drone pilot and was not registered as a drone operator — both required under Belgian and European regulations.
The drone itself was also unregistered, adding another violation to the list of offences.
Under EU drone laws, any operator flying a device above 250 grams must be registered with the relevant aviation authority and must complete the necessary competency training.
However, the most serious infraction uncovered by police involved the lack of prior approval from Skeyes, the Belgian air traffic control authority. Drone activity in controlled airspace, especially near airports, requires explicit authorisation to prevent conflicts with manned aviation.
Mechelen lies close to the flight control zone of Brussels Airport in Zaventem, meaning nearly all drone flights in the area require prior clearance. “Flying without approval in this zone is a major safety risk,” a police spokesperson said. “The rules are strict for good reason.”
Investigators also determined that the man had conducted several unauthorised drone flights in the area before the crash. These repeated infractions suggest a pattern of disregard for aviation safety regulations, according to police.
The Rivierenland police have submitted an official report to the Directorate-General for Aviation (DGLV), which will determine the penalties. Under Belgian law, illegal drone operations can result in administrative fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the severity of the offence.
The confiscated drone will remain in police custody until the case is fully processed, and further action may include mandatory training or restrictions on future drone activity.
Officials emphasised that unauthorised drone flights near airports can pose serious risks to both commercial aviation and local residents.
Local school administrators expressed relief that the crash did not result in injuries.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours when the school grounds were empty, preventing what could have been a dangerous situation for students or staff.
Residents of the Onder-Den-Toren area have also raised concerns about repeated drone activity in recent months. Several neighbours reported seeing low-flying drones above residential streets and school buildings, although they had not previously filed complaints.
Police say the case highlights the growing need for public awareness about drone regulations. As drone ownership expands, both hobbyists and professionals must comply with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rules governing pilot competency and flight permissions.
Officers stressed that the rules are not merely administrative but designed to protect public safety, prevent collisions, and ensure accountability. They encourage anyone operating a drone to review the EU’s open category requirements, including registration, training, and observance of local airspace restrictions.
The investigation remains ongoing as the Directorate-General for Aviation reviews the case and prepares potential penalties. The Mechelen man is expected to receive formal notification of the fines in the coming weeks.
Authorities hope the case will serve as a reminder of the responsibilities involved in operating drones, particularly in areas near sensitive airspace. “Drone technology is accessible, but that doesn’t mean it can be used without rules,” police added. “Safety must always come first.”
