safety
FBI, FAA investigating after drone strikes LAPD helicopter in Tarzana
By Bill Feather, Dennis Broad and Danielle Smith at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
The FBI and the FAA are investigating after a Los Angeles Police Department Airbus AS350 helicopter was struck by a drone in Tarzana earlier this week, the agencies confirmed to NBC Los Angeles on Thursday.
The helicopter was on patrol when a “relatively large drone,” approximately 3 by 3 feet...
Key takeaway The helicopter was on patrol when a “relatively large drone,” approximately 3 by 3 feet, struck it near the intersection of Highway 101 and Reseda Boulevard, near Tarzana, just before 3 p.
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The FBI and the FAA are investigating after a Los Angeles Police Department Airbus AS350 helicopter was struck by a drone in Tarzana earlier this week, the agencies confirmed to NBC Los Angeles on Thursday.
The helicopter was on patrol when a “relatively large drone,” approximately 3 by 3 feet...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bill Feather, Dennis Broad and Danielle Smith at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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