Probable cause
The operator’s use of an insufficiently charged battery that resulted in a total loss of engine power and subsequent impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The operator of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) reported that during a test flight, the UAS descended, delivered a package to the practice location, and began a vertical climb to return to the landing zone. During the vertical climb, the UAS registered a low voltage health alert and initiated an “urgent land maneuver.” During the maneuver, the UAS battery depleted to a point where it lost propulsive power, and impacted terrain, resulting in substantial damage to all 4 wings, and spar damage to the number 2, 3, and 4 wings.
Postaccident review of the circumstances surrounding the flight by the operator revealed that an insufficiently charged battery had been installed on the UAS.
The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the UAS that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA031 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 10, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pendleton, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Eastern Oregon Rgnl At Pendlet (PDT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amazon.Com Services Llc MK27-2
- N-number
- N692PA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2023
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Flight test
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.