The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into an incident involving drones crashing into a crowd during a Christmas drone light show over Eola Lake in Orlando, Florida.
The mishap occurred around 6:45 p.m. Saturday and led to the cancellation of a second scheduled show due to “technical difficulties,” according to city officials.
An FAA spokesperson confirmed the investigation and noted that drone light shows are subject to strict regulation. Such events typically require a waiver to the rule that prohibits operating more than one drone at a time. The FAA evaluates these applications to ensure public safety, including reviewing the controlling software, setting up safe zones, and preparing for potential drone failures or proximity of aircraft.
During the show, several drones reportedly malfunctioned and fell into the crowd, injuring a 7-year-old boy, who was transported to the hospital. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.
The FAA emphasized the importance of operational safeguards, such as GeoFencing to keep drones within a defined area and ensuring enough staff is present to manage the event safely. This incident has prompted further scrutiny of safety protocols for drone displays.
Earlier this month, the FAA closed parts of New Jersey’s airspace to drones until January 17.
The areas impacted by the ban include Hamilton, Bridgewater, Bayonne, Cedar Grove, North Brunswick, Metuchen, Camden, Gloucester City, South Brunswick, Edison, Branchburg, Sewaren, Westampton, Jersey City, Harrison, Elizabeth, Winslow, Burlington, Clifton, Evesham, Hancocks Bridge, and Kearny.
“At the request of federal security partners, the FAA published 22 Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over critical New Jersey infrastructure,” the FAA said in a statement, as reported by ABC News.
An FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) said the government may use “deadly force” against drones if they present an “imminent security threat.” Those who fail to abide by the notice may be “intercepted, detained, and interviewed by the law enforcement/security personnel.”
