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Date:
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Time:
11:40 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
DJI (Remotely Piloted Aircraft)
Owner/Operator:
Not specified
Registration:
Not specified
MSN:
Not specified
Year of Manufacture:
Not specified
Engine Model:
Not applicable
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 0
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed
Category:
Accident
Location:
2.8 NM southwest (254°) of Northam, WA – Australia
Phase:
Approach
Nature:
Survey
Departure Airport:
Not specified
Destination Airport:
Cooktown Airport, QLD (CTN/YCKN) (likely clerical reference – not relevant to RPAS ops)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities
Circumstances:
On August 13, 2025, a DJI remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) conducting aerial surveying operations near Northam, Western Australia, was destroyed following a loss of control.
At approximately 11:40 local time, during the approach phase of its programmed flight path, the RPAS stopped responding to command inputs from the operator. The drone subsequently descended uncontrollably and impacted terrain 2.8 NM southwest of Northam.
The RPAS was completely destroyed in the crash. There were no injuries or collateral property damage reported.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed the occurrence and is recording it as an RPAS accident involving total loss of the drone.
Sources:
ATSB
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.