AAIB investigation to Evolve Dynamics Sky Mantis, UAS, registration n/a

Loss of power, Nailsea Fire Station, Somerset, 7 February 2019.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 11 July 2019

• Category: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 7 February 2019
• Aircraft type: Evolve Dynamics Sky Mantis
• Location: Nailsea Fire Station, Somerset
• Registration: UAS registration n/a

Summary:

During a demonstration flight, the UAS dropped to the ground from a height of 50 m when the electric motors stopped, despite the battery being fully charged. The UAS struck the ground and was destroyed in the subsequent post-impact fire. The UAS manufacturer determined that the loss of power was caused by the battery not being fully locked in place. It has updated the operations manual and intends to install sensors to prevent the aircraft from operating if the battery is not correctly locked in place.

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Evolve Dynamics Sky Mantis, UAS 07-19

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Published 11 July 2019