Officials Call Stunt 'Exceptionally Irresponsible'

The pilot of a helicopter that dropped $1,000 cash on Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina may face charges of littering and flying lower than 500 feet over a populated area.

The helicopter had been chartered by Likeli, a Wilmington, NC social media startup company. The idea was to drop the cash on the beach where students who are returning to the University of Wilmington were enjoying a day on the sand as part of the school's annual "Beach Blast" event last Tuesday. The Star News reported on its website that the company posted information and a video of the stunt on its Facebook page.

After viewing a video of the stunt, Wrightsville Beach Police Chief Dan House said that the town was considering multiple charges against the High Tide Helicopters, which is based on Oak Island, and the pilot. They are also coordinating with the FAA to determine if any federal laws were violated. House said that in the video, it appears that the helicopter flies about 100 feet above the crowd. "Anything could have happened if they lost control," he said.

Television station WCET reports that the Likeli has issued an apology for the stunt. High Tide Helicopters owner Jennifer Ward was piloting the aircraft, and told the station she would "never fly in such a way that would endanger anyone on the ground or in the helicopter." She said she was "disappointed" by some of the comments made by the Wrightsville Beach police.

As part of its mea culpa, Likeli sponsored a beach cleanup day Sunday.

FMI: Apology Post