Pilot Debrief

AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC MK30 near Pendleton, OR — 2024-12-16

Final reportWPR25LA064
Sign in to save
Date
2024-12-16
Location
Pendleton, OR, USA
Airport
PDT
Aircraft
AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC MK30
Registration
N223PA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The incorrect altitude indication by test software during landing.

NTSB narrative

The operator of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) reported that, during a test flight with a new software upgrade, the UAS completed the delivery mission and was transitioning to land, when all six motors suddenly stopped. The UAS fell to the ground and impacted the asphalt taxiway, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the UAS by the operator revealed that the newly installed software caused an incorrect altitude reading in the UAS during landing, causing the motors to shut down. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the UAS that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps