Company That Owns The Aircraft Said It Is A Total Loss

A DJI Inspire 1 UAV being operated legally at an event at the Nelson Speedway in Richmond, New Zealand was hit by seven pellets fired from a shotgun during what was described as a family fireworks event.

The aircraft was owned and operated by Sherlock Vision. The company had obtained permission from the Nelson Airport Control Tower to fly and film the event. Stuff.co.nz reports that the aircraft had become a fixture at events at the speedway, which had been nominated last year for a national award for its innovative coverage of events, including use of the UAV.

The aircraft's operators were able to land it safely, but on inspection, three pellets were found lodged in the aircraft. It sustained about $5,000 in damage, and was considered unrepairable by the company.

Sherlock Vision co-owner Geoff Sherlock said that his primary concern was for the safety of the people at the event. He said that the angle of the shot indicated that it came from outside the speedway and was fired towards the crowd. "The outcome could have been much worse if the drone had landed amongst the crowd or if the shot fired had hit someone," he said.

Nelson Speedway Association President Wayne Martin said that the speedway works with Sherlock Vision because of their safety procedures and record, and that they make sure that all of their flights are conducted with the permission of the appropriate agencies.

The incident is under investigation by local police.

(Image from file. Not incident UAV)

FMI: www.caa.govt.nz/rpas