Manitoba RCMP say STARS air ambulance was delayed in landing at a fatal crash northeast of Steinbach earlier this month, because of a drone flying in the area.
During the evening of September 3rd, Steinbach RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision along Provincial Road 210 at Road 41N, in the Rural Municipality of Ste. Anne. Police say a vehicle travelling north collided with a southbound vehicle.
The driver of the northbound vehicle, a 42-year-old male from Winnipeg, died at the scene. The driver of the southbound vehicle, a 70-year-old male from Winnipeg, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
RCMP now say that while at the scene of the crash, officers observed a drone flying above. Police say the drone in the air caused STARS air ambulance to be delayed, as it could not land. Police say that in this case, the delay did not have serious consequences on the operations at the scene.
Officers have yet to identify the operator, but want to remind the public, that operating a drone in an area where police and first responders are attending could interfere with life-saving measures and can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
The use of remotely piloted aircraft systems or "drones," is regulated by Transport Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations include that the drone must be operated:
- below 90 m above the ground
- at least 30 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 250 g up to 1 kg)
- at least 75 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 1 kg up to 35 kg)
- at least 5.5 km away from aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base, or areas where aircraft take-off and land)
- at least 1.8 km away from heliports or aerodromes used by helicopters only
- outside of controlled or restricted airspace
- at least 9 km away from a natural hazard or disaster area
- away from areas where operation could interfere with firefighters, police or first responders
- during the day and not in clouds or smoke
- within your sight at all times
- within 500 m of yourself or closer
- must be clearly marked with your name, address and phone number
A complete set of rules, regulations and requirements can be found here.
"In an emergency, it is imperative that all necessary resources are able to respond," says Corporal Ryan Cadotte of the Manitoba RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System unit. "I urge all drone pilots to be responsible and ensure they know and follow all regulations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations are in place for everyone's safety."