AAIB investigation to DJI Phantom 4 RTK, (UAS registration n/a)

Loss of control due to detached propeller, Newtongrange, Dalkeith, Midlothian, 2 December 2020.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 20 May 2021

• Category: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Report type: Bulletin - Field investigation
• Date of occurrence: 2 December 2020
• Aircraft type: DJI Phantom 4 RTK
• Location: Newtongrange, Dalkeith, Midlothian
• Registration: N/A

Summary:

The UAS, a DJI Phantom 4 RTK, was being operated in an automated flight mode to survey a railway track and surrounding infrastructure when one of the four propellers detached whilst in-flight. The aircraft rapidly descended from a height of 70 m (230 ft) where it struck the ground in the rear garden of a house. No persons were injured.

This investigation has reviewed the new UAS regulations introduced on 31 December 2020 concerning the safe overflight of people and data available to assist in risk assessments. Two Safety Recommendations are made to the UK CAA.

Download report:

DJI Phantom 4 RTK, UAS reg n/a, 06-21

Safety Recommendation Document:

DJI Phantom 4 RTK Safety Recommendation Document

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Published 20 May 2021