Tuesday 13 October 2020

Man Fined $20,000 For Crash Landing Drone Near Airport

A California photographer lost control of his DJI drone last year near Las Vegas' main airport while he was trying to take a photograph of the High Roller Observation Wheel on the Las Vegas strip. This was one of the most talked about drone fails last year. 

drone rules image

Photo by Mathias Arlund on Unsplash

Since his drone landed too close to the active runway, he is now facing up to a $20,000 fine.

The photographer, Reuben Burciaga, was contacted by the FAA after they searched the drone's registration number to find him. He says he lost the GPS connection and had no idea where the drone ended up.

Along with his returned drone, Burciaga received a $14,700 fine in April. Since the fine has yet to be paid by Burciaga, late fees have been accruing and the fine is nearing $20,000.

The US Treasury Department is taking over the fine and is paying it for Burciaga. It will be reimbursed by Burciaga's tax returns. 

Via FStoppers

This article about "Man Fined $20,000 For Crash Landing Drone Near Airport" was first published on our website here https://www.photographytalk.com/drone-crash-lands-man-fined-20k