Mystery Drones Stopped NJ Medical Helicopter From Landing: Report

BRANCHBURG, NJ — Officials had to cancel a medical helicopter's arrival to a Somerset County crash scene last week because drones were hovering near the landing zone, a report said.

The helicopter was en route to an accident near Raritan Valley Community College on Nov. 26 and two security guards closed roads around the crash scene, according to NJ.com. There was a seriously injured patient who needed taken to the hospital, the report said.

However, local fire officials cancelled the request for the helicopter for safety reasons because unidentified drones were flying in the area, the college's supervisor of security told NJ.com.

According to previous Patch reporting, the medical helicopter was able to land at a nearby airport and transport the driver to Morristown Medical Center.

It was not immediately clear if this incident is connected to the mystery drones that have been flying over Morris County for weeks, though federal officials have limited flights in both Somerset and Morris counties.

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued two Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) prohibiting drone flights over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base through Dec. 26 and Trump National Golf Club Bedminster through Dec. 6, at the request of federal security partners.

The FBI began their own investigation on Nov. 26, approximately 10 days after the first sightings were reported, but there have been no updates since then.

Drone operators who conduct unsafe operations that endanger other aircraft or people on the ground could face fines up to $75,000. In addition, the FAA can suspend or revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates.

Related article — Drone Mystery Deepens In Morris County: What We Know