A Wiltshire Air Ambulance crew suffered a “near miss” after their helicopter was almost struck by a drone.
The charity’s Bell 429 helicopter had been taking off from the Recreation Ground in Bath after attending a medical emergency in the city centre at around 4.20pm on Wednesday, January 24.
Crew members noticed a drone travelling at the same height as the aircraft, around 250 feet, that was less than 20 metres from their left-hand side.
The incident has been reported to both the Civil Aviation Authority and local police.
Richard Miller, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s safety manager, warned that drones can put lifesaving operations at “unnecessary risk”.
He 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 was 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.”
Drone users can download the free app Drone Assist to issue and review notices to airmen, no-fly notifications, ground hazards, and the latest map data.
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