Probable cause
The remote pilot’s in-flight loss of control of the unmanned aircraft due to GPS signal fluctuations, which resulted in a collision with, and serious injury to, a person assisting the operation.
NTSB analysis
The remote pilot reported that the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) was landing and had reached the designated landing spot and descent height just before the accident. When the UAS was about 1 foot above the ground, the aircraft flew sideways about 30 ft and struck a person assisting with the operation. That individual sustained a broken shoulder. The unmanned aircraft sustained damage to one rotor blade and to the onboard radar assembly; both were replaced.
A review of the available flight logs for the UAS indicated that as the aircraft was landing, the number of available GPS satellites decreased. This was accompanied by frequent signal fluctuations. The UAS subsequently calculated a position deviation that it attempted to resolve by repositioning itself.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA380 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 7, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Francesville, Indiana
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Xag P100 PRO
- N-number
- N268MQ
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2024
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.