http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/a-drone-caused-serious-damage-after-crashing-into-an-ar-1818768398
A civilian drone flying well over the regulated height above Staten Island
crashed into a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter last week, causing an alarming
amount of damage, according to Army officials with the 82nd Airborne Division
via The New York Post.
Officials believe the unintentional collision is the first time a civilian drone
has hit a military aircraft in flight, raising serious concerns about the
growing commercial drone market, and strengthening the need for enforcement of
existing drone flight regulations.
According to officials, the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was flying at 500
feet over the residential area of Staten Island in New York at around 8 p.m. on
Thursday when it crashed with the drone. Regulations clearly dictate that
civilian drones should not be flown above 400 feet. It is also illegal to fly a
window, as well as causing blade damage. The helicopter was able to return and
land safely, but the incident could have easily escalated into a serious crash.
There was no mention of the drone operator, but an investigation by the NYPD and
military is under way.
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