Large drone comes within 100 feet of police helicopter, say State Police

LAWRENCE, Mass. — A large drone got very close to a Massachusetts State Police helicopter Wednesday morning, according to officials.

Around 11:20 a.m. the MSP Air 2 was flying from Holliston to Newburyport on a training flight. While flying through the Lawrence Municipal Airport air space at about a 600-foot altitude, the crew saw a large drone approach them from the side, said police. The drone then started flying toward the front of the helicopter, getting about 100 feet in front of it before suddenly dropping to the ground.

State Police said that considering the helicopter's speed, a collision with the drone could have easily caused the windshield to break.

The crew reversed and searched for the person who was flying the drone but did not locate anyone, said police.

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Troop A cruisers also responded to search but didn't find anyone.

State Police note that it's against the law for private drone pilots to fly within five miles on an airport or at an altitude of more than 400 feet. Privately-owned drones heavier than .55 pounds also must be registered with the FAA.

The Air 2 landed safely back at the Lawrence base. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Cox Media Group