Drone Strays onto HAL Combat Helicopter’s Flight Path

An unidentified drone used for a photo-shoot strayed into the flight path of Hindustan Aeronautics’ Rudra combat helicopter earlier this month.

Two youths flying the drones were arrested for reportedly flying drones near HAL airport in Bangalore on Saturday evening as one of their drones partially obstructed the flight path of a combat helicopter at the facility, Bangalore Mirror reported Sunday.

TKrishna Naik, chief manager, Helicopter Division of HAL, filed a complaint on Thursday with HAL police stating that a pilot, Hari Nair, was flying a helicopter on December 12 for testing around 1.30 p.m. when the drone was detected by radar. The drone could pose a threat to aircraft using HAL airport, the Hindu reported Sunday.

Police registered a case under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty) of the Indian Penal Code, the news daily reported.