AAIB investigation to Parrot Anafi USA, (UAS registration n/a) 180421

Power loss in flight resulting in ground impact, near Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, 18 April 2021.

Summary:

The unmanned aircraft (UA) was operating at 60 m agl with an observer maintaining visual line of site and an operator controlling the aircraft and camera. The weather was overcast but with good visibility and low wind. The UA had been conducting a survey of nearby fields and woodland and had been flying for approximately 11 minutes. It was stable and hovering as the operator yawed the aircraft to pan the camera around. The controller suddenly lost connection with the UA and the tablet screen showing the camera picture displayed “white noise”. The operator noticed that the UA’s Wi-Fi signal had reduced from green to red but there was no other information displayed.

The observer watched as the UA pitched forwards and rapidly descended into the ground in nearby woodland. The aircraft was found 300 m away upside down. One rotor blade had snapped, a rotor arm had been dislodged, the rotor arms were unable to fold out and the battery had been released and was located next to the aircraft.

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Parrot Anafi USA, (UAS registration n/a) 180421

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Published 9 September 2021