RPAS Loss of Control and Flyaway – Moorabbin, VIC – June 23, 2025

Date:
Monday, June 23, 2025

Time:
10:30 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: 0

Other Fatalities:
0

Aircraft Damage:
Aircraft missing, written off

Category:
Accident

Location:
12.1 km east (80 degrees) of Moorabbin Aerodrome, VIC – Australia

Phase:
En route

Nature:
Training

Departure Airport:
Not specified

Destination Airport:
Not specified

Investigating Agency:
ATSB

Confidence Rating:
Information verified through data from accident investigation authorities

Circumstances:

On June 23, 2025, during a training operation near Moorabbin Aerodrome in Victoria, an RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) became unresponsive to pilot commands while in the climb phase. The aircraft subsequently continued flight beyond the programmed geofence boundaries.
Despite attempts to re-establish control, the RPAS did not respond to further inputs and could not be located. The aircraft is presumed lost and has been written off. There were no onboard occupants, and no injuries or property damage were reported.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the occurrence. Preliminary data confirms a loss of control and subsequent flyaway of the aircraft. The incident underscores the importance of robust control systems and geofence enforcement in unmanned flight operations, particularly during training exercises.

Sources:
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)