Robinson R22
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Rotorcraft
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 47; Flight Crew Total 220; Flight Crew Type 152
Conflict NMAC; Inflight Event / Encounter Object
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
On the return leg of a cross country helicopter flight; I made the decision to land briefly for a touch and go at El Monte Airport. Coming from the east; I made a left base arrival to runway 19. Winds were from the southwest; visibility was over 10 SM; the sky was clear below 12;000 AGL; and VMC prevailed. I started my takeoff roll down runway 19; intending to make a right crosswind departure northwest bound. I turned right crosswind over the last 1/4 of the runway at approximately 125 feet AGL. 1 or 2 seconds after I made that right turn; approximately 100-300 feet north west of runway 19; I saw a bright blue flashing object descend rapidly from above my aircraft at my 1:00 position; to below my aircraft at my 5:00 position. The object; which appeared to be circular in shape; was about 30 feet away from my aircraft during its rapid descent. Evasive action was taken in the form of a rapid steep left bank to clear my rotor blades from the UAV. As soon as it was clear from my vision I made a steep right turn to attempt to see where the object was descending to; but I lost sight of it and could not locate it again. The flying object; although I could not see it very clearly because of darkness; appeared to have the shape of a quad copter; or multi rotor 'drone'. I would estimate its weight less than 40 pounds; and a diameter of 3-5 feet. I believe the incident took place directly over airport property; which greatly concerns me. The operator probably didn't know there was an airport there; or at least I hope so. I cannot conclude if the objects rapid descent was intentional on the part of the operator; or if it was a result of the downward flow of my rotor wash.
Helicopter pilot experiences an NMAC with a UAV during a night departure from EMT; about 200 feet AGL. Evasive action is taken.