A startling encounter in Alabama skies
An Alabama photographer’s drone met an unexpected fate when it was shot down during a routine shoot. Michael Gardner, who runs Deep South Aerial Photography, was operating his DJI Mavic 4 Pro near Athens. As he was capturing images for a client, a sudden gunshot disrupted his work.
Gardner recounted the moment to WAFF reports: “I got my drone up there doing my normal thing like I do. All of a sudden, I hear a gunshot.” The incident resulted in his video feed going haywire, and the drone plummeting to the ground. It took Gardner two days to retrieve it after another person found it.
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Although Gardner had heard of drones getting shot down before, experiencing it firsthand was shocking. He noted, “They don’t own the airspace above the tallest blade of grass in their yard.” Shooting such devices is illegal under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, as it presents a significant safety hazard. Gardner warned about the potential dangers, saying, “If that battery punctures, it will ignite and catch on fire.”
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The incident highlights the serious implications of such actions. Those found shooting down drones can face civil penalties from the FAA and possibly criminal charges. Gardner is collaborating with the FAA in Birmingham and filing a police report to address the incident. In a related case involving a 60-year-old man, a man in New York was arrested for a similar incident involving a neighbor’s drone.
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Even though it was not the first time Gardner had heard about a similar situation, the personal experience emphasized the gravity of the crime.
The header photo is licensed via Depositphotos.
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the Alabama photographer’s drone?
The Alabama photographer’s drone was shot down during a routine shoot near Athens.
Why is shooting down drones considered illegal?
Shooting down drones is illegal under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules because it presents a significant safety hazard.
What actions is Gardner taking after the drone incident?
Gardner is collaborating with the FAA in Birmingham and filing a police report to address the incident.