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Over the weekend, a tragic accident unfolded during a holiday drone show in Florida when several drones collided, falling into a crowd of thousands and injuring a seven-year-old boy who required open-heart surgery. The Federal Aviation Administration has since launched an investigation into the incident.
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The New York Road Runners organized a festive 500-drone event in Central Park to celebrate the New Year alongside their annual Midnight Run. Unfortunately, they booked Sky Element, a Texas-based drone company whose operations were partially suspended by the FAA following last weekend’s accident. The Road Runners website announced that it’s no longer able to offer a drone show.
Mayor Adams had implemented a fireworks ban in New York City due to the drought, though it has since been lifted. However, New York Road Runners spokesperson Crystal Howard told Gothamist, “Because of the timing, we were not able to either pivot back to fireworks or find another vendor.” Howard added that they are working on providing on-course surprises for the midnight runners, such as additional DJs and possibly some type of ‘analog’ light experience.
Adriana Edgerton told Orlando television station WESH that a drone blade cut her seven-year-old son’s mouth and left an imprint of the drone on his chest.
“The well-being of our audience is our utmost priority, and we regret any distress or inconvenience caused,” said Sky Element in a statement to AP News. “We are diligently working with the FAA and City of Orlando officials to determine the cause and are committed to establishing a clear picture of what transpired.”
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Sky Element’s NYE drone show in Dallas, Texas, has also been canceled.
The FAA confirmed to Fox News that it has suspended the Part 107 Waiver for Sky Element’s drones. This waiver allows drone operators to fly at night, fly over people, and operate drones outside the line of sight. With the suspension of this waiver, Sky Element’s drones are legally prohibited from performing their shows.
While Central Park has hosted drone shows in the past, it’s hard to say if they might return soon.
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