Drone Shot In Maine During Search For Missing Dogs Prompts Federal Investigation

Photo credit: WMTW 8 ABC

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A commercial drone operated by 2A Tac Air Services was shot out of the sky in Corinth, Maine, on Tuesday, September 9, while assisting in a search for two missing beagles, according to WMTW. The drone’s operator, Rob Russell, says the incident caused thousands of dollars in damage and threatens his ability to continue search-and-rescue work across New England.

Drone Damaged at 366 Feet in Mid-Air

Russell reported that the drone was flying at 366 feet when he received a warning and brought it down. Upon inspection, he discovered a bullet hole through the aircraft’s front sensors.

“Had it hit the camera, that’s an additional $5,000 and at that point they can’t fix that,” Russell explained.

The aircraft, part of his three-drone fleet valued at more than $20,000, is now out of service. Russell emphasized that the loss directly impacts his work supporting families searching for missing loved ones and pets in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Shooting a Drone Is Both State and Federal Offense

Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. Russell underscored the legal stakes, noting that “it both violates Maine statutes and is also a federal offense. Shooting a commercial drone is the same charge as shooting at a plane full of people.”

Drone operators and aviation attorneys have long warned that firing at an aircraft—whether crewed or uncrewed—carries serious criminal consequences. Beyond safety risks to people on the ground, disabling a drone mid-flight can lead to uncontrolled crashes.

Financial and Operational Impact

Russell said it is rare for drones to be shot at, but the consequences are severe. Repairs and downtime could cost thousands of dollars. “I can’t use it. It’s going to be out of my use for a long time, and that affects what I do,” he said.

While Russell keeps three drones available to offset equipment failures, the financial burden is significant. “Even down to two doesn’t put my mind at ease,” he explained. His company has invested heavily in equipment to maintain operations, often providing supplemental support to law enforcement during searches.

Broader Implications for Drone Operators

The incident highlights ongoing challenges for drone pilots operating in public airspace, especially those engaged in critical missions like search and rescue. As drones become more widely used in emergency response, interference and hostility from the public remain a concern.

DroneXL’s Take

This case underscores a troubling reality: drones are increasingly essential tools for search-and-rescue missions, yet they remain vulnerable to hostility, misunderstanding, and even criminal interference. The fact that shooting a drone is legally equivalent to firing at a manned aircraft may not be widely understood by the public.

For the drone industry, this raises questions about how to better educate communities, protect operators, and ensure enforcement when incidents occur. Should more visible outreach and signage accompany drone operations in sensitive missions? How can authorities set clearer deterrents against such actions?

What do you think—should drone operators push for stronger protections, or is better public awareness the key solution? Share your thoughts in the comments below.