Wallsend man charged after drone allegedly endangered rescue helicopter over Charlestown

Newy 87.8 FM – A 46-year-old man has been charged with aviation offences after a drone allegedly endangered the safe operation of a rescue helicopter over Charlestown.

Police will allege that about 1am on Sunday 23 August 2026, a rescue helicopter was flying 1,000 feet above the Charlestown area, on route to a medical emergency, when a drone intruded into the helicopter's airspace.

The helicopter did not need to take any evasive action and was able to continue with its duty. No air crew were injured.

Officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District, with the assistance of specialist officers from the Police Rescue & Bomb Disposal Unit, commenced inquiries into the incident.

About 3pm on Monday 24 August 2026, a search warrant was executed at a home on Newcastle Road, Wallsend, where the 46-year-old man was spoken to.

A drone was seized at the property by police. Police will also allege that about 1kg of cannabis was located at the premises.

The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with seven offences.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 24 September 2026.

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