Drone Strikes Rescue Helicopter Amid Texas Flood Response

Unauthorized UAV grounds an aircraft during Kerr County search operations.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

A Black Hawk helicopter supports search and rescue efforts. [Courtesy: Texas Military Department]

Key Takeaways:

A privately operated drone struck a rescue helicopter during high-intensity flash flood search-and-rescue missions in Central Texas.
The collision occurred in restricted airspace, forcing the helicopter to make an emergency landing and rendering a critical rescue asset out of service.
Authorities labeled the incident "entirely preventable," emphasizing that temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are enforceable rules and urging the public to avoid flying private drones in active rescue areas.

See a mistake? Contact us.

During high‑intensity, search-and-rescue missions amid the July 4 flash floods in Central Texas’ Hill Country, a privately operated drone struck a rescue helicopter over Kerr County, officials confirmed.

The collision occurred Monday afternoon in restricted airspace designated for emergency operations. According to the city of Kerrville, the drone forced the helicopter to make an emergency landing and resulted in a critical asset being taken out of service , Houston’s KPRC-TV reported.