Philadelphia Drone Operator Banned: What it means for liability and personal injury law

The recent federal case against Michael DiCiurcio, a Philadelphia-based drone operator, raises serious legal questions about drone safety, personal injury liability, and potential lawsuits. While this case was handled by the FAA and U.S. Attorney’s Office as a regulatory matter, it highlights how reckless drone use can lead to civil lawsuits if people get hurt or property gets damaged.

What Happened?

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DiCiurcio repeatedly flew drones illegally and dangerously in Philadelphia between 2019 and 2024, despite multiple FAA warnings. He allegedly flew drones at night, in restricted airspace, over moving cars, and near landmarks like the Liberty One Building and the William Penn Statue. In one instance, his drone almost crashed into a church steeple, and in another, he lost control, causing the drone to fly uncontrolled over the city. As a result, a federal court permanently banned him from flying drones in the U.S., forced him to delete his YouTube channel, “Philly Drone Life,” and ordered him to surrender his drones to the FAA.The recent federal case against Michael DiCiurcio, a Philadelphia-based drone operator, raises serious legal questions about drone safety, personal injury liability, and potential lawsuits. While this case was handled by the FAA and U.S. Attorney’s Office as a regulatory matter, it highlights how reckless drone use can lead to civil lawsuits if people get hurt or property gets damaged.

Can You Be Sued for Flying a Drone?

Yes. If a drone causes injury or property damage, the operator can be held legally responsible under personal injury and tort law.

The key legal concept here is negligence, which applies when:

1. The drone operator has a duty to fly safely and follow FAA rules.
2. The operator breaks that duty by flying recklessly (e.g., in restricted airspace or near people).
3. The reckless drone flight causes an accident or injury.
4. Someone suffers actual harm, such as medical expenses or property damage.

In this case, the government alleged that DiCiurcio repeatedly ignored FAA warnings and flew drones dangerously—at night, over crowds, and near buildings like the Liberty One and William Penn statue. If his drone had hit someone or caused an accident, he could have faced a personal injury lawsuit in addition to government penalties.

What Kind of Lawsuits Could Come From Dangerous Drone Flights?

Even though this case was about FAA violations, the same reckless behavior could lead to civil lawsuits under different legal claims:

• Negligence: If a drone injures a person or damages property, the operator can be sued for failing to fly responsibly.
• Strict Liability: Some courts might treat drones like hazardous activities, meaning an operator is responsible for damages even if they didn’t mean to cause harm.
• Property Damage & Trespassing: If a drone crashes into a car, building, or private property, the owner could sue for repairs.
• Invasion of Privacy: Flying a drone over private property without permission could lead to privacy violation claims.

What Damages Could Someone Sue For?

If someone gets hurt or suffers losses because of a reckless drone flight, they could sue for:

1. Medical Bills & Lost Wages: If a drone injures someone, they can claim hospital expenses, rehab costs, and lost income.
2. Property Damage: If a drone crashes into a car, home, or business, the owner can demand compensation.
3. Pain and Suffering: If a drone accident causes physical or emotional distress, courts may award extra damages.
4. Punitive Damages: If the operator was extremely reckless—like ignoring multiple FAA warnings—courts may add extra fines to punish them.

What This Case Means for Drone Operators

Even though DiCiurcio’s case was a federal enforcement action, his admission of reckless flying could be used against him if anyone decided to sue him in civil court. His history of dangerous flights could make a lawsuit stronger, showing a pattern of risky behavior.

This case is a warning to all drone users: if you fly recklessly, you could face serious legal consequences—not just from the government, but from injured victims seeking compensation. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, following FAA regulations isn’t just a rule—it’s a way to avoid lawsuits, fines, and permanent bans from flying.