Overview

• A privately operated drone struck a rescue helicopter over Kerr County on July 7 in restricted airspace for flood search operations.
• The collision forced the helicopter to make an emergency landing and left the aircraft out of service with its type and operator undisclosed.
• Flash floods since July 4 in the Central Texas Hill Country have claimed more than 100 lives and left dozens missing along the Guadalupe River Basin.
• Kerrville officials have emphasized that temporary flight restrictions are enforceable rules and urged the public to cease private drone flights until the search concludes.
• State and federal agencies have deployed additional aviation resources, including an MQ-9 military drone, to maintain unimpeded airspace for rescue teams.