Pilot Debrief

AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC MK30 near Pendleton, OR — 2025-02-21

Final reportWPR25LA103
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Date
2025-02-21
Location
Pendleton, OR, USA
Airport
PDT
Aircraft
AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC MK30
Registration
N265PA
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The unmanned aircraft system’s failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The operator of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) reported that, the purpose of the flight was to test the Safe Contingent Land (SCL) during a flight test operation, vertical ascent following a delivery. An obstacle (cart) was intentionally placed in the delivery area. As the UAS hovered over the delivery location, a commercial drone piloted by another employee, intentionally flew above the UAS. The UAS detected the drone and descended. During the descent the UAS struck the cart and came to a stop on the ground near the cart. After landing, the UAS performed an unplanned vertical ascent, started to oscillate, and descended into the ground. The UAS sustained substantial damage to the upper wing struts and fuselage. 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

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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