The National Parks Administration reported a company for conducting an illegal helicopter flyover over Quebrada del Condorito, in Córdoba.
The incident occurred on March 15 and caused outrage. The company sued is Dracma S.A.
The activity is illegal since it is a protected area where any type of motorized aircraft is prohibited.
How was the illegal helicopter flyover
The event was recorded on video by a mountain guide who reported that the helicopter’s intrusion caused panic in more than 30 condors resting in an area known as “Baño del cóndor”.
🦉 More images are coming of the helicopter that invaded -with total impunity- the airspace of the Quebrada del Condorito National Park on March 15, causing 30 condors living there to flee, terrifying them and putting them at risk, even physically. pic.twitter.com/pKdzHJ9oCv
— Environmental Press Room (@SaladePrensaAmb) March 18, 2025
The one who reported what happened was Martín Ávila, a guide who was accompanying a group of visitors in the park. He also warned that these types of incidents are common in the area.
“This is not the first time we have seen helicopters or planes flying over the canyon,” he explained to Carlos Paz Vivo. “The big problem is that if the registration number is not seen accurately, the aeronautical authorities say they cannot do anything,” he added.
He also detailed that it was an aircraft from the company Dracma S.A., but the registration number was not recorded. The aircraft disturbed more than 30 condors that were in the area known as “El baño del cóndor,” a resting and grooming area for these birds.
The company’s response
The company featured on the helicopter responded to the accusations. “We are aware of the regrettable situation. We would like to clarify that the helicopter no longer belongs to our company since last year,” explained John Walker, vice president of Dracma S.A., to Vía Córdoba.
“In that flight, neither executives nor staff from Dracma were on board. We condemn the reckless behavior that disturbed the habitat of the protected area,” he added. He also stated that they had no contact with the park but assured that they are available to provide “any clarification.”
The criminal complaint
After the case went viral, National Parks filed a criminal complaint against Dracma with the Justice Department. In the complaint, Natalia Noemí Cardozo, coordinator of Criminal Affairs of the APN, indicated that the helicopter flew at low altitude in the protected area.
The complaint, filed by Natalia Noemí Cardozo, coordinator of Criminal Affairs at the APN, stated that the incident had a serious impact on the local fauna. It was also requested the disqualification of the pilot of the aircraft, who has not yet been identified.
Cristian Larsen, president of the National Parks Administration (APN), referred to the incident and emphasized that flying helicopters in protected areas is prohibited by law.
“No flying is allowed in those areas; it is prohibited by the National Parks Law, except in cases of emergency. As soon as we learned of the case, we acted in accordance with the law and filed the corresponding criminal complaint,” said the agency’s president in an interview with La Voz.
In response, Dracma stated: “We have not been notified about this lawsuit. If necessary, we make ourselves available to the Justice Department for any clarification.”
Why it is an illegal activity
Flying over national parks with motorized aircraft is prohibited by National Law 22.351. This norm protects spaces, natural monuments, and national reserves.
These areas are kept in their natural conditions without alterations to preserve the flora and fauna. The goal is to preserve the ecosystem of species, especially those in danger of extinction.
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