Police and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating after a drone was spotted buzzing over Fenway Park during the ninth inning of Thursday's game between the Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays.
The unauthorized drone was flying above the outfield as Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland was at the plate when he clearly noticed the drone. With his game-tying double just moments later, the distraction was temporary, and it's still not clear where the drone flew next or who was piloting it, sparking security concerns.
Fans noticed it too, tweeting video as it happened.
The airspace above Fenway Park is restricted and Red Sox policy prohibits the use of drones at all times in and around the park.DJI, the company that manufacturers the drone that was spotted, said in a statement that the operator of DJI Phantom drone likely overrode a geofence that's part of the drone's system, designed to prevent it from flying into an area with an FAA temporary flight restriction.
VIDEO: Bottom of the ninth, and the drone was right over the field at Fenway. pic.twitter.com/XoDj5EMIDF
— Michael Silverman (@MikeSilvermanBB) April 12, 2019
DJI said it will work with Boston police and other agencies to determine how it happened, the statement said and notes, “DJI’s AeroScope system can remotely identify and monitor airborne DJI drones in areas where it has been installed, and this incident shows why the federal government must mandate a remote identification system for airborne drones as soon as possible.”
An FAA spokesman said the agency was looking into whether a permit or waiver was issued with FAA Flight Standards.
The FAA said on Twitter Friday that drones are restricted from flying within a 3-mile radius surrounding stadiums starting one hour prior to the game and ending an hour after the game.
FAA Statement: The FAA is investigating a report that a #drone flew over @fenwaypark during the baseball game last night. Flying drones in/around stadiums is prohibited starting 1hr before & ending 1hr after the scheduled game & prohibited within a radius of 3 nm of the stadium. pic.twitter.com/o6nOGVf8K2
— The FAA (@FAANews) April 12, 2019
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