A man has been charged with aviation offences for allegedly endangering the safe operation of a helicopter in the states Hunter Region.
It will be alleged about 1am last Sunday (23 August 2026), a rescue helicopter was flying 1000 feet above the Charlestown area on route to a medical emergency when a drone intruded into the helicopter’s airspace.
The helicopter did not need to take any evasive action and was able to continue with its duty. No air crew were injured.
Officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District – with the assistance of specialist officers from the Police Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit – commenced inquiries into the incident.
About 3pm yesterday (Monday 24 August 2026), a search warrant was executed at a home on Newcastle Road, Wallsend, where a 46-year-old man was spoken to.
A drone was seized at the property by police.
Police will also allege that about 1kg of cannabis was located at the premises.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with seven offences including:
Do act to threaten safety of aircraft/persons on board
Operate unmanned aircraft in way that creates hazard
Fail to operate unmanned aircraft w/in visual line of sight
Operate unmanned aircraft in weather condition not permitted
Not operate unmanned aircraft as approved/permitted
Supply prohibited drug >small & <=indictable quantity
Possess prohibited drug
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 24 September 2026.