The Civil Guard authorities have initiated legal proceedings against a drone operator who, by flying at a low altitude, was responsible for a minor falling off a horse while horseback riding in the southern region of Tenerife. The individual could potentially be fined up to €225,000 for this incident.
This was reported on Tuesday by the Civil Guard as per aviation safety regulations. The man has also been reported to the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) for multiple infractions, with fines of up to €225,000 for recreational operators and up to €4.5 million for professional operators.
The authorities have highlighted that these fines could increase in cases where reckless actions lead to accidents, injuries, or property damage.
The investigation was launched following a complaint filed at the Civil Guard’s Main Post in Guía de Isora. Specialist agents from the PEGASO Team gathered evidence indicating that the drone’s low-altitude flight near horses at an equestrian centre in southern Tenerife may have caused the incident.
The pilot of the drone was identified as an adult male resident of Tenerife and the owner of the device.
The pilot under investigation did not possess the required certificate of theoretical knowledge for remote drone operation, mandatory for drones weighing over 249 grams. Additionally, the pilot was not registered as an operator with the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).
Furthermore, the drone lacked the necessary insurance coverage, and the flight took place in controlled airspace near Tenerife South airport without proper authorization from AESA or coordination with air traffic controllers.
As a result of these findings, the PEGASO Team’s specialist agents have undertaken legal proceedings for alleged reckless injury, which have been forwarded to the Court of First Instance and Instruction number 3 of Granadilla de Abona.
