What are the risks for flying a drone near an accident?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - What fines or punishments could a drone operator face for interfering with an active scene with law enforcement?

Jilian Angeline, Public Affairs Specialist with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told 27 News when people fly drones near emergency scenes, it greatly impacts the response time.

"When people fly drones near emergency situations, law enforcement agencies may be forced to ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a mid-air collision," Angeline said. "Delaying airborne response poses a threat to first responders and threatens the lives of those they are helping."

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, one person died, and one was injured as a result of a head-on collision on U.S. 77 in Geary County. Geary County Emergency Management posted on social media that a LifeStar helicopter that responded to the crash had trouble getting to the scene due to a drone flying south of the scene.

LifeStar and other helicopters have to abort if drones are around. This affects the crew, the people on the ground and the patients we are working to save.

Statement excerpt from Geary County Emergency Management social media post

Drone operators caught conducting "unsafe of unauthorized operations" risk facing fines up to $75,000. Along with the fine, the FAA can also suspend or revoke the drone operators' pilot certificates.

According to Angeline, local authorities can request that the FAA issue Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). This restriction can be put in place for the safety of the aircraft working in emergency response activities, according to the FAA.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.