Originally Posted by
Non Linear Gear
Question is, What was it doing flying into UK airspace without a known flight plan or communications with ATC? I hope the owners get billed the cost of the QRA shout. Travel into this country is essential work only, not leisure. If it is not for business reasons inside the government restrictions.
The aircraft would have been on an IFR Flight Plan and would have been talking to ATC. From the info released so far it looks like an equipment problem (or finger trouble) leading to a prolonged loss of communication. If ATC can’t get hold of the crew using all means then an intercept in these circumstances is standard procedure.