FAA investigating Nassau police helicopter tactics at Jones Beach
Video shows a Nassau County Police Department helicopter flying low over the sand as people fled the beach.
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A dramatic scene unfolded Thursday evening at Jones Beach as a Nassau County police helicopter hovered at an unusually low altitude, sending sand and debris flying in an apparent attempt to disperse a crowd of roughly 500 teenagers. The maneuver, which sent teens fleeing in all directions, is now under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Video captured the helicopter circling low over the beach as teens scattered beneath the force of its rotor wash. Some nearby residents questioned the method.
“I don’t think it’s necessary the chopper,” said Tom O’Connor, of Wantagh. “It’s the damage it causes picking up the dirt and the sand.”
The FAA confirmed it is reviewing the incident, citing its regulations on minimum safe altitudes. According to federal rules, aircraft—including police helicopters—must not fly below an altitude where an emergency landing could be made without endangering people or property. For congested areas or large gatherings, the required altitude is typically at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet of the aircraft.
“That aircraft was definitely in non-compliance with that requirement,” said Michael Canders, an aviation expert and associate professor at Farmingdale State College.
Nassau police previously stated that multiple fights broke out during the gathering and that several minor injuries were reported.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman defended the police actions in a written statement:
“We are confident that the actions taken by the NCPD aviation helicopter were instrumental in dispersing a large crowd of individuals who were engaged in fighting and other disruptive behaviors, thereby saving our kids from getting hurt.”
