Oklahoma Man Indicted After Allegedly Shooting at Agricultural Helicopter – Response Checklist Available
A man in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, has been indicted on a federal charge after allegedly shooting at a helicopter applying herbicide in August, according to an Oct. 2026 report. The incident is a reminder that agricultural aircraft can face serious safety threats while performing essential work.
It is critical that any shooting incident involving an agricultural aircraft is reported to the appropriate authorities. NAAA’s Shooting Response Checklist outlines steps pilots should take to ensure an incident is properly reported, including:
- Inform local law enforcement
- Contact the FBI
- Report it to the FAA National Safety Hotline
- Call your local Flight Standards Office (FSO)
- File a NASA Aviation Safety Report
- Inform other pilots
- Notify local news media
- Contact your insurance agent, if warranted
NAAA encourages operators and pilots to familiarize themselves with the checklist and keep it accessible. Reporting these incidents helps ensure they receive appropriate attention and may help prevent future incidents.
Shooting at an aircraft is a federal crime, with penalties that can include up to 20 years in prison. If you experience or witness an incident involving gunfire directed at an agricultural aircraft, report it to the appropriate authorities and notify NAAA. Your report could help protect another pilot’s life.