A drone ‘nearly hit’ Wiltshire Air Ambulance after it attended an incident in Bath.
It’s understood the charity’s critical care crew responded to a serious medical emergency at hotel in the city at around 3pm on Wednesday (24 January).
The Bell 429 helicopter landed safely in Bath Recreation Ground – but as it took off to fly back to its Wiltshire base, a drone got dangerously close to the aircraft at 72 metres (250 feet).
The aircrew on board thankfully noticed the drone and were able to avoid a collision.
Provided drone pilots follow the law, they are allowed to fly in Bath. However, they must ensure they don’t endanger other aircraft and the drone must remain in sight.
In this instance, the pilot may have committed an offence by endangering the helicopter. The crime carries up to five years behind bars.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance said that the Civil Aviation Authority and Avon and Somerset Police have been informed of the near-miss.
Safety manager Richard Miller, who is also a critical care paramedic, said: “We want drone users to have fun with their drones but to do so safely and legally.
““However, if a drone was to strike a helicopter it is likely to cause significant damage due to the solid metal parts it has and a solid battery.”
“In this instance, we were fortunate the aircrew were alert to the danger and thankfully everyone was unharmed.
“However, we want drone users to help us to ensure our team and lifesaving operation isn’t put at unnecessary risk.”
