Residents in central Barcelona heard sustained helicopter noise on Sunday 6 September as an aircraft resembling one used by the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police, flew over several districts for a filming operation.
The helicopter took off at 7.29am and was still making passes near the Sagrada Família at about 9am, according to flight data reported by Betevé. It flew over Dreta de l'Eixample, parts of Sant Martí and Horta-Guinardó, at times at just over 1,100 feet, or around 350 metres.
Police colours, but not a police operation
Mossos sources told Betevé that a production company was using the aircraft for filming. The helicopter is not owned by the regional police, which hires it for regular operations, including surveillance and public-order work.
Its dark-blue paintwork and red squares resemble the markings used on Mossos vehicles. However, it does not carry the vinyl police identification applied when it operates as a Mossos aircraft.
Aircraft tracked above three Barcelona districts
The aircraft was identified as an Airbus Helicopters AS355 Ecureuil 2, registration EC-KYJ, fitted with a camera at its front.
- Take-off time: 7.29am on Sunday 6 September.
- Areas overflown: Dreta de l'Eixample, Sant Martí and Horta-Guinardó.
- Lowest reported height: just over 1,100 feet, approximately 350 metres.
The small helicopter can carry around six people and has a cruising speed of more than 240km/h, Betevé reported.
Reported by beteve.cat, Betevé.
