AAIB Record-only UAS investigations reviewed: June - July 2025
Published 11 September 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 May 2025 | MA Freewing MiG-29 Fulcrum | Swanley, Kent | A scale model of a MiG 29, powered by an electric motor and ducted fan, suffered a battery disconnect in-flight due to a faulty connector. This caused the model to descend in an uncontrolled glide. It hit the ground on the far side of the M25 motorway from the model flying club field. The model flying club has strict procedures to avoid the motorway and this was the first occurrence in its 46 year history. The club has issued advice to all members warning about the faulty connector. |
| 10 Jun 2025 | Prototype Quad Copter | Ashbourne, Derbyshire | The custom-built quad copter UA was being operated in a rural area for testing purposes, when it experienced a loss of power. The UA fell approximately 30 to 40 m, before striking the ground and incurring substantial damage. The operator is undertaking an investigation to determine the reason for the power loss. |
| 18 Jun 2025 | DJI Mavic 3T | Near Hackney, Middlesex | While photographing a building, the UA struck the building and fell to the ground within a cordoned area. One propeller detached and the UA body and camera housing were damaged. |
| 1 Aug 2025 | DJI Phantom 4 RTK | North Thoresby, Grimsby | The UA took off normally under the control of a remote pilot. As it reached its starting height, it began to transition across the site and began “barrelling forward”. The UA did not respond to manual inputs or to a command to return automatically to the start point. It then fell from the sky and struck a van. |