US Army investigating collision of drone and military helicopter

MIDLAND BEACH, Staten Island (WABC) -- The U.S. Army is investigating how a drone collided with a Black Hawk helicopter that was working security in New York City.

The drone slammed into the chopper Thursday night about 500 feet over a neighborhood on Staten Island. It landed safely in Linden, New Jersey.

The helicopter is based out of North Carolina and was in town to patrol during the United Nations General Assembly.

In the U.S., it is illegal to fly private drones higher than 400 feet.

PHOTOS: Drone hits military chopper in NYC

Army Black Hawk helicopter damaged by a drone over Staten Island.

Officials are now searching for the drone's pilot.

The helicopter pilot was not injured.