LA News Helicopter Likely Struck By Drone

A news helicopter operated by KABC-TV in Los Angeles, California, was struck by an object believed to be a drone at approximately 7:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350 B2, made a precautionary landing following the strike. As shown in the video below, the tail of the aircraft was damaged, but no injuries were sustained.

“This could have been a disaster & we are glad everyone is okay,” the Los Angeles Police Department said via Twitter. “Be a responsible and legal unmanned aircraft operator ... know & follow the rules.” The LAPD also pointed to a 2015 Los Angeles ordinance (PDF) that prohibits the operation of civilian unmanned aircraft within five miles of an airport, more than 400 feet above the earth’s surface or at night.

The helicopter was reportedly flying over downtown Los Angeles at about 1,100 feet AGL at the time of the incident. The identity of the object that struck the aircraft has not yet been confirmed and the Los Angeles Police Department is investigating.