The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation following an incident during Orlando’s downtown holiday show, where drones collided and plummeted into the crowd last Saturday night.
The event, part of the city’s ‘Downtown for the Holidays’ festivities, was supposed to feature two 15-minute drone shows. However, during the first show at 6:30 p.m., several drones crashed into each other, causing them to descend unexpectedly into the assembled audience. The FAA confirmed that this mishap occurred during the opening minutes of the event.
Consequently, the second show, scheduled for 8:00 p.m., was cancelled due to ‘technical difficulties.’ A spokesperson from the Orlando Fire Department confirmed that one individual was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, although the exact cause of the injury was not disclosed. The FAA has been asked to handle further inquiries concerning the origin of the individual’s injuries.
City officials expressed their concern and assured that they are in continual communication with both the FAA and the drone vendor, Sky Elements Drones, to delve deeper into the incident. While this marks the third year of the holiday show, it is only the second year of collaboration with Sky Elements for operating the drones.
Sky Elements Drones released a statement sharing their intention to work closely with the FAA and Orlando officials to establish the exact sequence of events leading to the collision. They emphasized their commitment to audience safety and adherence to FAA’s stringent safety regulations.
Eyewitness accounts described the unsettling sight of drones falling from the sky, captured in videos shared on social media. One such recording by Philippe from the MosquitoCoFL Podcast showcased the dramatic moment when the drones began to fall, triggering questions from a child nearby about the unexpected malfunction.
Furthermore, Bryan Wilson, a viewer from the local station WKMG, documented the spectacle and noted a drone ‘falling swiftly’ near the conclusion of the show. These accounts underline the chaotic nature of the event and highlight the need for stringent safety measures during such displays.
The FAA requires specific waivers for drone shows, permitting more than one drone to operate concurrently. According to the FAA, numerous checks are mandated during the review of these applications, including software control assessments, safety area demarcations to ensure public distance, procedural safeguards for drone failures, aircraft proximity measures, and verification of sufficient operational personnel.
This incident underscores the complexities involved in managing high-profile drone shows and the importance of rigorous safety measures. The FAA’s investigation will likely yield critical insights into ensuring future events prioritize the safety of all participants.
Source: News4jax
