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 analysis
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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR25LA103 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 21, 2025
- 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 MK30
- N-number
- N265PA
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2024
- 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.