A drone flew within feet of a plane landing at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport and then the video it took was posted online.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Ian Gregor told Law Vegas Now ‘We became aware of this incident this afternoon and we are investigating.’
In the video the drone flies above Whitney Park and then a passenger airplane is seen flying towards it. The drone turns around and then the plane is right below it.
It is unclear when the incident happened.
The FAA says flying a drone unsafely can result in hefty fines of up to $1,437 per violation.
This drone flew dangerously close to an airplane that was landing at McCarran Airport
The landing plane was flying just below the drone in Las Vegas in the frightening footage
When the video begins you can make out in the distance that a plane is heading towards it
Then the drone turns around and videos the plane flying just underneath it. It is illegal to fly a drone at an airport
The FAA is investigating the incident, the operator can face stiff fines and criminal charges
]Businesses that fly unsafely can face fines of up to $32,666 per violation.
People that fly drones unsafely can also face federal criminal charges including fines of up to $250,000 and even imprisonment for up to three years.
‘This pilot’s actions not only endangered the flying public but has the potential to discredit an entire sUAS industry,’ Drone U, a drone organization, said in a statement.
‘It is the opinion of Drone U and its members that the pilot receive swift and just punishment for this example of irresponsible and reckless flight. There is no excuse for this type of criminal behavior.’
The legalities behind where and how you use a drone can be tricky. Airports, military sites, US landmarks and the Super Bowl are among places drones are illegal to fly in.
Thankfully no one was hurt in the dangerous incident, but the video was posted online and authorities are investigating
The passenger airplane appeared to be a Frontier jet that the drone got close to in the incident
‘All drone and model aircraft pilots must stay well clear of manned aircraft. We condemn the type of operation depicted in this video,’ said Chad Budreau, director of government affairs for the Academy of Model Aeronautics, in a statement to CNET.
‘Anyone who violates aviation regulations or endangers public safety must be held accountable for their actions. We urge the FAA to take strong enforcement action against this drone pilot, and against any future violators.’