Drone shot at today!

[Tristar500]

It was a rough landing on autoreturn. Drone came in listing on the port side slid in sideways. Worst landing I've seen, Also missed the home takeoff spot by a few feet.

Great work analyzing the data!. It would have taken me days to get all that figured out. Thank you!

 

[MS Coast]

I would not do this but it would be a real hoot to attach a dummy mortar fashioned after the ones the Ukrainians have been strapping to small DJI drones. I've seen those things take out tanks!

A real hoot as in terrifying a few people, possibly inciting an airspace closure or dangerous law enforcement or military response, and providing the anti-drone folks with another significant reason to go into a legislative or regulatory frenzy?

 

[Tristar500]

A real hoot as in terrifying a few people, possibly inciting an airspace closure or dangerous law enforcement or military response, and providing the anti-drone folks with another significant reason to go into a legislative or regulatory frenzy?

Exactly, that's why I said I'd never actually do that.

 

[Droning on and on...]

I hate to say it, but Sheriffs office deputies are among the lower IQ individuals that get involved in law enforcement

That was unnecessary, and not something you could possibly know across thousands of deputies across the US. Shame on you.

 

[Daytona500]

So sheriff deputies came today and dismissed the whole thing. Blamed me for being near the person's property. Said he was just protecting his home. WTF?
Protecting it from what? When I asked them about the stray bullets that landed who knows where, they said they didn't care.
Hopefully, the FAA/FBI will take a different position. One of the sheriff's deputies said she was also a part 107 pilot. Again, WTF!

Yea wtf

 

[Daytona500]

Does your state have laws allowing people to shoot at drones? Only a couple of states have passed such laws.

Also, nobody owns the airspace over any land. The FAA regulates civilian airspace, not state, not local laws.

what states say its ok to shoot drones Im sure your mistaken

 

[Chip]

We wanted to know how far away the shooting range was from the neighbor's house, if in fact there was an actual range, or if they were just shooting willy-nilly. The law requires that firearms be discharged no closer than 150 yards from a dwelling.

That may be complicating factor becasue of NC drone law partially excerpted below:

§ 15A-300.1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person, entity,or State agency shall use an unmanned aircraft system to do any of the following:

(1) Conduct surveillance of:

a. A person or a dwelling occupied by a person and that dwelling's curtilagewithout the person's consent.
b. Private real property without the consent of the owner, easement holder, or lessee of the property.

(2) Photograph an individual, without the individual's consent, for the purpose of publishing or otherwise publicly disseminating the photograph. This subdivision shall not apply to newsgathering, newsworthy events, or events or places to which the general public is invited.

 

[Tristar500]

That may be complicating factor becasue of NC drone law partially excerpted below:

§ 15A-300.1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person, entity,or State agency shall use an unmanned aircraft system to do any of the following:

(1) Conduct surveillance of:

a. A person or a dwelling occupied by a person and that dwelling's curtilagewithout the person's consent.
b. Private real property without the consent of the owner, easement holder, or lessee of the property.

(2) Photograph an individual, without the individual's consent, for the purpose of publishing or otherwise publicly disseminating the photograph. This subdivision shall not apply to newsgathering, newsworthy events, or events or places to which the general public is invited.

If this is true, I may be in violation; however, I'm not the one who opened fire on a US-registered aircraft and sent live rounds into the surrounding neighborhoods.
I'm looking forward to speaking with the FAA and whatever government agencies are relevant to this incident.

 

[Tristar500]

I was able to find an editing program that allowed better resolution.
I count at least 6 shots from watching the recoil.

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[Chip]

what states say its ok to shoot drones Im sure your mistaken

Louisiana law authorizes state and local law enforcement to actively intercept and disable drones posing credible threats to public safety, allowing them to "neutralize" unlawful drones when safe to do do, a measure signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry in mid-2025. This first-in-the-nation law gives police the power to protect spaces like parade routes from nefarious drones, though the specifics of how they can be taken down are left to law enforcement's discretion, focusing on safety.
Key Aspects of the Law:

• Authorization: Allows state and local law enforcement to intercept and disable dangerous drones.
• Scope: Covers threats to public safety, public events (like parades), and potential terrorist activity.
• "Neutralize": Refers to using discretion for safe mitigation, not explicitly just shooting them down, but allowing for countermeasures.
• Penalties: Imposes fines, potential jail time, and drone forfeiture for violators.
• First in the Nation: Louisiana is the first state with such broad counter-drone authority for police.

Why It Matters:
This law provides a new tool for law enforcement to secure airspace and prevent potential harm from malicious drone use, with provisions for strong deterrence against violators.

 

[mavic3usa]

If this is true, I may be in violation; however, I'm not the one who opened fire on a US-registered aircraft and sent live rounds into the surrounding neighborhoods.
I'm looking forward to speaking with the FAA and whatever government agencies are relevant to this incident.

Live rounds into surrounding neighborhoods? Is this is Raleigh? Are you sure you are from North Carolina? They shoot down there all the time...it's legal; shooting is a thing, a big thing man.

Also I would go kinda light on the whole "US-registered aircraft" thing because well, it kinda isn't but unless the aircraft is manned, most government officials don't care about it in the same way.

Down there, they believe in trespassing and you know what that means when it comes to using force.....

/s

 

[mavic3usa]

I was able to find an editing program that allowed better resolution.
I count at least 6 shots from watching the recoil.

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Well aimed, taking his time, seems like an easy shot especially if you are hovering (I know you couldn't see it) so not surprised you took a hit even with a pistol (shooting up is easy). I'm sure he is well-practiced.

Not blaming you, I think everyone here agrees he has no business shooting at your drone, or any drone. It's not your fault. I'm just setting the tone for you....I could have told you about those deputies. If they don't do anything and even if the FAA does, don't expect a lot.

 

[Tristar500]

Live rounds into surrounding neighborhoods? Is this is Raleigh? Are you sure you are from North Carolina? They shoot down there all the time...it's legal; shooting is a thing, a big thing man.

Also I would go kinda light on the whole "US-registered aircraft" thing because well, it kinda isn't but unless the aircraft is manned, most government officials don't care about it in the same way.

Down there, they believe in trespassing and you know what that means when it comes to using force.....

/s

Yes, I live in a town West of Raleigh with a population of 558,816 (2024)

When is it legal to shoot down a drone that's flying over your house? (from Google)

It is never legal for a private citizen to shoot down a drone flying over their house in the United States. Drones are classified as aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and damaging or destroying an aircraft is a serious federal felony, regardless of whether it is a manned aircraft or a drone.

Legal Consequences
Shooting at a drone can lead to severe criminal and civil penalties:

• Federal Charges: You could face charges under the Aircraft Sabotage Act (18 U.S. Code § 32), which carries penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.
• State and Local Charges: You may also face state and local charges, such as reckless endangerment, discharging a firearm within city limits, or criminal mischief for property damage.
• Civil Liability: The drone owner can sue you for the cost of the drone and any damage it causes when it crashes, which can amount to thousands of dollars.
• Safety Risks: Firing a weapon poses a significant safety hazard, as an injured drone could crash onto people or property, or a stray bullet could cause unintended injury or damage.

Any Questions?

 

[Tristar500]

Well aimed, taking his time, seems like an easy shot especially if you are hovering (I know you couldn't see it) so not surprised you took a hit even with a pistol (shooting up is easy). I'm sure he is well-practiced.

Not blaming you, I think everyone here agrees he has no business shooting at your drone, or any drone. It's not your fault. I'm just setting the tone for you....I could have told you about those deputies. If they don't do anything and even if the FAA does, don't expect a lot.

I suspect I will hear from the FAA/FBI early in the week. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Tristar500]

Live rounds into surrounding neighborhoods? Is this is Raleigh? Are you sure you are from North Carolina? They shoot down there all the time...it's legal; shooting is a thing, a big thing man.

Also I would go kinda light on the whole "US-registered aircraft" thing because well, it kinda isn't but unless the aircraft is manned, most government officials don't care about it in the same way.

Down there, they believe in trespassing and you know what that means when it comes to using force.....

/s

Down there? I live in a city of over half a million people. I'm from NY. I moved here 35 years ago, and yes, there are rednecks. Many of them land in jail for doing stupid stuff. "nuff said.

 

[mavic3usa]

Yes, I live in a town West of Raleigh with a population of 558,816 (2024)

When is it legal to shoot down a drone that's flying over your house? (from Google)

It is never legal for a private citizen to shoot down a drone flying over their house in the United States. Drones are classified as aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and damaging or destroying an aircraft is a serious federal felony, regardless of whether it is a manned aircraft or a drone.

Legal Consequences
Shooting at a drone can lead to severe criminal and civil penalties:

• Federal Charges: You could face charges under the Aircraft Sabotage Act (18 U.S. Code § 32), which carries penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.
• State and Local Charges: You may also face state and local charges, such as reckless endangerment, discharging a firearm within city limits, or criminal mischief for property damage.
• Civil Liability: The drone owner can sue you for the cost of the drone and any damage it causes when it crashes, which can amount to thousands of dollars.
• Safety Risks: Firing a weapon poses a significant safety hazard, as an injured drone could crash onto people or property, or a stray bullet could cause unintended injury or damage.

Any Questions?

Nowhere did I say it was legal for a citizen to shoot down a drone. I get it, you are mad and you are angry.
But there are not people on board your drone and I'm not a lawyer so I can't tell you what that legally means when it comes to the intent of the federal code on shooting at aircraft. I can only tell you what I have heard and so far, I haven't mentioned what I have heard, not yet, because you won't like it even though you may have already heard it yourself.

Yeah I have a question, people get put in jail all the time for using a laser pointer on an aircraft and not a single plane has been brought down with a laser. However, not a single person has gone to jail for shooting at a drone and dozens if not hundreds of drones have been brought down using gunfire. Do you not see the irony of the federal code you posted?

Just set your expectations is all I am saying. And btw, the /s is switch denoting mild sarcasm.

 

[mavic3usa]

Down there? I live in a city of over half a million people. I'm from NY. I moved here 35 years ago, and yes, there are rednecks. Many of them land in jail for doing stupid stuff. "nuff said.

Down there as "in the south"; North Carolina is in the south last I checked. You're from NY? Ok, now I understand. Sorry if I can't elaborate but we are going a bit OT on that topic.

 

[glocke12]

That was unnecessary, and not something you could possibly know across thousands of deputies across the US. Shame on you.

I've interacted with plenty of L.E. types over the past 35-40 years for various things that did not involve criminal activity on my part, so my conscience is clear when I make that statement and pointing that out helps explain their lack of interest in helping out the O.P.
I did not say they are all morons or idiots either, only that they tend to be lower I.Q. individuals compared to other L.E. types. Like it or don't like it, thats not an insult but it is a harsh reality of life that I.Q. levels differ in a population. The bar to become a sheriffs deputy in my current state as well as other states I've lived is lower that what it takes to become a municipal L.E.O. or State Trooper, thats why I pointed that out when the O.P. described not only their lack of interest in investigating what happened but also their apparent ignorance of drone regulations and airspace " ownership ".

Back on topic. Looking at the video it's pretty clear to me as well that he is shooting at the drone. I see both recoil and what appear to be muzzle flashes.

Also, those claiming or hinting that carrying a firearm while flying is something that they don't find necessary, think again. I've had friends confronted by irate and hostile homeowners because they were flying their drones near their homes in unrestricted areas. These people are hostile and incredibly confrontational right from the start and the friends that this has happened to now carry as a result. I personally stopped carrying a firearm years ago and let my PA LTCF expire because I seldom go anywhere but NJ to work, but now that I have entered this hobby, and have learned just how triggered people are by these things I renewed my LTCF and will be having a firearm on me when I go out to fly in areas outside of my home, especially if it is a solo trip. Hopefully I'll never use it, but it's there if I need it.

The bottom line is that you simply never know what a persons mental state is, how irrational or belligerent they will be when confronting you, or how far they are willing to take things if they are under the belief that you are doing something you shouldn't be doing. This line of thinking is also reinforced by the almost daily acts of road rage I see and which I have been a victim of myself.

Hopefully when the FAA/FBI sees that video, that homeowner will get a visit from the feds.