On July 8, around 10 p.m. Air 1 was responding to a call in the downtown area when it had a near midair collision with a drone. The pilot of Air 1 was flying in a southeast direction at 1,500 feet and approximately 180-km per hour when he observed what looked like a white quadcopter-style drone with red lights. The UAV passed in the opposite direction of Air One within 50 feet.
“Had the UAV and helicopter collided, it certainly could have been catastrophic and potentially fatal for both crew members of Air 1,” says Const. Brian Griffith of the flight crew. “The Tactical Flight Officer was focused on a monitor in the cockpit yet still observed the drone in his peripheral vision which speaks to how close the UAV passed to the helicopter,” he adds.
Two other smaller UAVs were observed in the same area approximately 30 minutes later.
Transport Canada has been made aware of the regulation infractions and a criminal investigation is ongoing as there are potential criminal charges, as well as charges under the Aeronautics Act.
Anyone with information related to this event is asked to call the EPS at 780-423-4567or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com/start.htm.
For information about UAV regulations please visit: No-drone fly zones