Drone Delays DHART Helicopter Taking Off With Seriously Injured Woman

MASON, NH — Fire, EMS, local police, and state police responded to an accident at Route 124 and Route 31 Wednesday. The crash involved a motorcycle and pickup truck and involved severe injury.

Upon arrival, it was determined that a 2009 Ford F-250 was traveling eastbound on Route 124 and a 2021 Kawasaki ZR900 motorcycle was traveling southbound on route Route 31 when the vehicles collided.

The operator of the F-250 was identified as Matthew Leclair, 55, of Mason, and the operator of the motorcycle was identified as Jessica Westover, 32, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Westover had serious injuries and a medical helicopter was requested to transport her to the Elliot Hospital Trauma Center.

DHART landed in New Ipswich at a landing zone set up at Mascenic High School by the Greenville Fire Department and was assisted by Mason Fire who provided a tanker. Westover was transported to the landing zone and loaded onto the helicopter.

As the pilot prepared for take-off, the helicopter crew and personnel on the ground noticed a drone flying above the landing zone and aborted taking off. The pilot indicated until the drone was cleared from the area, he would not take off. After 10 to 15 minutes, the drone was landed by the operator.

WMUR reported New Ipswich Police located the drone pilot who was securing the unit when they arrived. Police told WMUR it is unknown if there will be any charges brought in the incident.

The New Hampshire State Police Collision Analysis & Reconstruction (C.A.R.) Unit responded to the scene and assisted with the crash investigation. The Mason Fire Department assisted on the scene as well.

All aspects of the collision remain under investigation and anyone who may have witnessed the crash are urged to contact Trooper Madelynn Davis atMadelynn.M.Davis@dos.nh.gov or 603-223-3777.