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 collided with a rescue helicopter in restricted airspace over Kerr County, Central Texas, during July 4 flash flood search-and-rescue missions.
The collision forced the rescue helicopter to make an emergency landing, taking a critical asset out of service and hindering ongoing flood relief efforts.
Officials deemed the incident "entirely preventable," emphasizing that temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are enforceable rules, not suggestions, and urged the public to avoid flying private drones in emergency operational areas.

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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.