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Date:
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Time:
13:15 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System)
Owner/Operator:
Not specified
Registration:
Not specified
MSN:
Not specified
Year of Manufacture:
Not specified
Engine Model:
Not applicable
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 1 (operator remote)
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed
Category:
Accident
Location:
Near Warkworth, NSW – Australia
Phase:
En route
Nature:
Survey (pipeline/powerline inspection)
Departure Airport:
Not specified
Destination Airport:
Not specified
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities
Circumstances:
On October 5, 2025, a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) conducting aerial pipeline or powerline survey operations near Warkworth, New South Wales, was destroyed after losing communication and control link with the ground operator.
At approximately 13:15 local time, the drone ceased responding to command inputs. Moments later, the RPAS descended uncontrollably and impacted terrain. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
No injuries occurred, and no property damage beyond the loss of the drone was reported. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed the occurrence and recorded the accident as a complete loss of control during survey flight operations.
This event underscores the operational hazards of beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) and long-range survey missions, where communication interference, environmental conditions, or onboard control system failures can result in total loss of the aircraft.
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.