GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A Spectrum Health Aero Med helicopter had a near collision with a drone while landing at Butterworth Hospital, according to a Thursday, Sept. 17 press release.
Aero Med reported the incident to the local air traffic control as well as filed reports with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Grand Rapids Police Department.
As authorities work to identify the drone operator, the hospital is using the incident as a “teaching moment” for others.
The drone was hovering above the rooftop landing site and dropped low enough for a crew member to capture the device, which was a Mavic Mini Ultra Light 249g.
This incident occurred as the helicopter was landing to pick up a medical team. It is the closest encounter an Aero Med aircraft has had with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), according to Aero Med authorities.
“Our transport crew was fortunate that this drone did not hit our aircraft,” said Tiffany Obetts, Aero Med director. “This drone was in the area illegally and a collision could have been devastating. Anyone who operates a drone has to do it safely and understand and obey no fly zones.”
The exact date the near collision occurred could not be confirmed with Spectrum Health before publication.
The drone operator was in direct violation of FAA regulations. UAVs are prohibited from operating withing a five-mile radius of an airport, heliport, helistop or any emergency landing zone.
Spectrum officials say this incident should serve as a reminder to drone operators to be more cautious, said Bruce Rossman, media relations for Spectrum Health.
“We’re using this as a teaching moment ... to educate the pubic about the dangers of drones being in restricted airspace for emergency vehicles," Rossman told MLive.
Anyone with information about the drove is asked to contact the local FAA office at 616-954-6657.
More information about flying drones is available from the FAA.
More on MLive:
New Soo Lock work shifts to round-the-clock construction
19 businesses penalized over $50K for ‘serious’ COVID-19 safety violations
‘Fair fight’ bills would alter clock on PFAS lawsuits in Michigan
———
©2020 MLive.com, Walker, Mich.
Visit MLive.com, Walker, Mich. at www.mlive.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
