Drone Hits News Helicopter Above Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES, CA — A drone struck an ABC7 news helicopter above downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, damaging the craft and forcing it to land.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the collision, which seemingly involved violations of several of the city's regulations for operating a drone. According to a tweet by Air7HD pilot Chris Cristi, the helicopter landed safely after it was struck about 7:15 p.m. The collision did not affect the helicopter's ability to fly.

"After some tense moments over downtown LA..., Air7HD has landed safely following a midair collision with a drone which has damaged our tail," Cristi tweeted. "Thankfully our crew is fine!"

A photo posted by Cristi showed a dent and scratches on the plane's tail, as well as a small hole nearby.

"It was a scary couple of minutes not knowing what happened," he said. "But it feels great to be back on the ground."

At first, Cristi thought he had hit a bird, he said. It wasn't until he made a precautionary landing that he realized it was a drone in his airspace.

The LAPD has launched an investigation into the incident.

"This could have been a disaster & we are glad everyone is okay," the LAPD tweeted. "Be a responsible and legal unmanned aircraft operator ... know & follow the rules."

The city of Los Angeles has an ordinance in place that prohibits flying drones within five miles of an airport, above 400 feet or in any way that interferes with an aircraft. The ABC7 helicopter was flying at an altitude of 1,100 feet.

City News Service and Patch Staffer contributed to this report.