LAPD helicopter hit by drone during wildfire mission in Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said one of its helicopters was struck by a drone while carrying out a wildfire-fighting mission in Los Angeles County.

Drone strike during LAPD wildfire operation

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 7 July, as an LAPD aircraft - the exact model has not been confirmed, though it is very likely an Airbus H125 Écureuil - was heading to the Encino Reservoir to refill its water bucket for use on a nearby brush fire.

Encino Reservoir, Santa Monica Mountains and busy airspace

According to LAPD Captain Brian Wendling, the helicopter was hit as it approached the reservoir in the Santa Monica Mountains, which run along the edge of the city and are also home to the well-known Hollywood sign.

The same area includes the Disney and Warner Bros. studios and sits close to Van Nuys Airport, Los Angeles’s main hub for business aviation, where air traffic is heavy.

Warnings from LAPD and the Mayor of Los Angeles

Wendling stressed that “I know people are curious about what is going on and all the movement of emergency vehicles, but curiosity can create a risk”.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a message to the drone operator: “It is completely unacceptable and illegal to fly drones like this. We have had this type of incident during previous fire-fighting operations, in Palisades. We will find you. You will be arrested and charged.”

No injuries reported; FAA and NTSB to investigate

ABC7 Los Angeles reported that no crew members were injured and that the aircraft did not appear to suffer major damage. Even so, the event will be investigated by the LAPD as well as US aviation authorities, the FAA and the NTSB.