FAA Investigating Illegal Drone Use in CT Car Crash Scene

According to Fox Connecticut News, the FAA is investigating the use of a drone flying around the scene of a fatal car crash.  The official Hartford, CT incident detailed the crash events including officers’ statements that a drone was seen flying over the crash scene. 

Bodies were still in the car. 

“Police Lt. Brian Foley told Fox CT that drones present concerns regarding privacy and officer safety.” 

Now, controversy is arising because the drone use may have been illegal.  Police questioned the drone operator but no arrest was made. 

“Drones, not being helicopters, they’re much smaller, can have access to aerial places that traditional helicopters and airplanes do not,” says Hartford Attorney Corey Brinson.

“How do we balance this new technology? Do we allow more of an intrusion into more traditional private moments like a tragic car accident? Or do we say, ‘Well, this is a new technology and the public is going to have to adapt?’ ” says Brinson.

FAA regulations state that drones cannot be operated for commercial use. According to Hartford Police, “The presence of a drone at a crime scene for journalistic purposes is in violation of FAA regulations.”

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