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

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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 taking a critical rescue asset out of service.
Officials emphasized the incident was "entirely preventable," stressing that temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are mandatory rules vital for unimpeded rescue operations.
The drone collision complicated rescue efforts amidst one of Texas's deadliest flash floods, which has resulted in over 100 fatalities.

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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.