What we know about the quadcopter drone found at the White House 

The U.S. Secret Service identified the crashed drone as a 2-foot quadcopter, which means it was a harmless consumer drone. This is what we know about a quadcopter's capabilities.

BY Alejandro Alba

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Monday, January 26, 2015, 12:12 PM

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Susan Walsh/AP Secret Service found a 2-foot quadcopter at the White House grounds during the middle of the night Monday.

It was reported by the U.S Secret Service that a small drone crashed at the White House complex early Monday while the President and the First Lady were in India.
The drone was only identified as a 2-foot quadcopter and harmless. No details on the brand have been released yet. Although the Secret Service is still trying to investigate the drone crash, this is what we know about quadcopter drones:
Type:
The drone was identified as a 2-foot quadcopter, which usually don't impose any threats. Quadcopters are some of the simplest drones out in the consumer market. The drone can be controlled at a distance by either remote control or using a smartphone app. The drone is lifted and propelled by four rotors and can move in any direction. Quadcopters also range in size and weight. Most consumer drones weigh under 55 pounds.
Capabilities:
Consumer quadcopters are mostly used for taking pictures. They serve as toys or for taking aerial shots of landmarks and houses. They can also be used for spying —although they are not that discreet. Aside from cameras, the equipment these lighter weight drones are capable of carrying is limited.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images A quadcopter drone can be equipped with a camera. Most quadcopters are recreational drones that are used as toys or to capture aerial shots of houses and properties.

Price:
Quadcopters usually range in price. It can cost anywhere between $15 and $3,399. It all depends on size, hardware and the material used. The price will also vary depending on whether or not it is equipped with a camera. People can also build their own quadcopters with self-built drones usually ranging between $300 and $1,500.
Regulations:
Flying a drone over the White House or congressional buildings is prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration. Most areas in Washington are flight restricted zones. If someone knowingly flies their consumer drone over the White House they can face a fine or be imprisoned for up to a year.
The FAA is currently trying to develop regulations for commercial drones. Consumer drones are strictly prohibited from flying in certain zones and at certain altitudes. Currently, the FAA allows hobbyists to fly their consumer drones below 400 feet and out of the way of manned aircraft.
It is still unclear what the motive was behind the drone flying above the White House at 3 a.m. or if there are any suspects, but the drone was harmless, according to White House officials. If the drone had a camera then it's possible that the user was trying to get some aerial shots of the mansion