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Date:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time:
11:20 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Swissdrones SDO 50 (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System)
Owner/Operator:
Not specified
Registration:
Not specified
MSN:
Not specified
Year of Manufacture:
Not specified
Engine Model:
Not specified
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 0
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Substantial
Location:
53.8 km 139 degrees from Taroom Aerodrome, QLD – Australia
Phase:
Manoeuvring (Aerial Survey Operations under Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight)
Nature:
Survey
Departure Airport:
Not specified
Destination Airport:
Not specified
Confidence Rating:
Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities (ATSB)
Circumstances:
On February 26, 2025, a Swissdrones SDO 50 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) was conducting aerial survey operations under beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) conditions approximately 53.8 kilometers southeast of Taroom Aerodrome in Queensland, Australia. During the manoeuvring phase of the flight, the aircraft’s engine failed, necessitating an emergency autorotative landing.
The remote pilot executed the autorotative landing to mitigate the impact of the engine failure. However, the RPAS sustained substantial damage upon landing. No injuries or fatalities were reported as the aircraft was unmanned. The exact cause of the engine failure is currently under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
The ATSB will examine factors such as the operational environment, the condition of the aircraft’s engine and systems, and any potential technical malfunctions that may have contributed to the failure. Investigators will also assess whether external factors, such as weather conditions or the complexity of BVLOS operations, played a role in the incident.
This accident underscores the challenges associated with operating remotely piloted aircraft systems in advanced operational scenarios, such as BVLOS missions. It highlights the importance of robust maintenance practices, thorough pre-flight checks, and contingency planning to ensure safe RPAS operations in demanding environments.
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.