AAIB Record-only UAS investigations reviewed: August - September 2024
Published 14 November 2024
© Crown copyright 2024
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This section provides details of accidents and incidents which were not subject to a Field or full Correspondence Investigation. They are wholly, or largely, based on information provided by the aircraft commander at the time of reporting and in some cases additional information from other sources. The accuracy of the information provided cannot be assured.
| Event date | Aircraft Type | Location Name | Record Only Occurrence Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Jul 2024 | DJI Mavic II Enterprise | Near Tilbury, Essex | Whilst carrying out a photographic survey of a site, communication with the UA was lost. The UA descended and was damaged as it came to rest in a field. The battery had come loose and fallen out of the UA leading to the loss of power and control. It is likely the battery had started to swell during the flight which led to it loosening and then disconnecting. |
| 29 Jul 2024 | XAGP100 Pro | Near Tern Hill, Shropshire | The remote pilot re-programmed the UAS following an earlier error message related to route uploading, but missed a step that would have ensured the UA remained clear of power lines. Towards the end of its route, the UA flew under a power line with approximately 1 m separation. It was hit by a spark from the cable and dropped to the ground. |
| 9 Aug 2024 | DJI M3T | Wynyard, County Durham | During a training flight, the Remote Pilot engaged ‘Sport’ mode which disabled the collision avoidance safety feature. The UA subsequently collided with a tree and suffered substantial damage. |
| 17 Aug 2024 | MA scale Duo Discus | Near Petersfield, Hampshire | Following a control failure, the model aircraft dived into a standing crop. The resultant small fire was quickly extinguished. |
| 4 Sep 2024 | DJI M300 | Near Loch Rannoch, Perth and Kinross | The UA was flying towards an electricity tower which was about to be inspected when the UA ‘folded up’ in flight and fell to the ground. It was subsequently found that the rear right arm had not been connected correctly. |
| 13 Sep 2024 | Albatross | Llanbedr airfield, Gwynedd | The UA was approaching the runway off centre so the Remote Pilot initiated a go-around. The Remote Pilot deselected half flaps which caused the UA to pitch forward, but was not able to respond in time, and the UA struck the ground nose first at 35 kt to the side of the runway. |
| 13 Sep 2024 | MA semi-scale Cessna 190 | Deeside Model Aircraft Club, Flintshire | Following a failure of the communication link, the model aircraft flew in circles. The remote pilot followed it until he lost sight of it. |
| 15 Sep 2024 | MA Arrows Hobby Bigfoot Electric | Near Newbuildings, Londonderry | The model aircraft was in auto assist mode when the remote pilot was blinded by the sun and lost sight of it. The pilot cut the throttles immediately and believes the aircraft could have landed somewhere in a rural wooded area. |