VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A mid-air collision between a tour helicopter and a drone that was flying in the area of the Daytona Beach Flea Market caused thousands of dollars in damage to the chopper, according to a news release.
Volusia County deputies said the helicopter with Leading Edge Helicopter Tours struck the drone about 180 feet in the air on Saturday around 2 p.m.
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According to the release, deputies were able to make contact with the helicopter pilot and the drone operator at the scene in the area of 1425 Tomoka Farms Road.
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The drone operator told deputies he was using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro to record video for a construction company when the crash happened.
“He was looking down at his tablet when he heard a loud impact, then noticed his drone was no longer in the air,” the release read in part.
Deputies said the helicopter was able to land safely, but damage to its rotor blade was estimated around $60,000. The drone was destroyed.
Around 2 p.m. today, a helicopter with Leading Edge Helicopter Tours struck a drone flying in the area of the Daytona Beach Flea Market (1425 Tomoka Farms Rd)
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) December 31, 2023
The helicopter was able to land safely, but damage to its rotor blade was estimated at $60,000. The drone was destroyed. pic.twitter.com/C7HXM7aTU4
The helicopter pilot reported he saw the drone through his windshield just before impact but was unable to avoid it.
The NTSB and FAA were notified of the incident.
“Drone/UAS operators, if you aren’t already aware of the Know Before You Fly campaign, please check it out and familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations intended to prevent these types of incidents,” the release concluded.
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