Amazon MK30, N265PA, accident occurred on February 21, 2025, at Pendleton UAS Range, Pendleton, Oregon

Aviation Investigation Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Gutierrez, Eric

Additional Participating Entities:

• Christopher Painter; FAA; Portland, OR

https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/199746/pdf

https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=199746

Amazon.com Services LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N265PA

Location: Pendleton, Oregon
Accident Number: WPR25LA103
Date & Time: February 21, 2025, 10:33 Local
Registration: N265PA
Aircraft: AMAZON.COM SERVICES LLC MK30 Aircraft
Damage: Substantial Defining Event: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT)
Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Flight test

Analysis:

The operator of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) reported that, the purpose of the flight was to test the Safe Contingent Land (SCL) during a flight test operation, vertical ascent following a delivery. An obstacle (cart) was intentionally placed in the delivery area. As the UAS hovered over the delivery location, a commercial drone piloted by another employee, intentionally flew above the UAS. The UAS detected the drone and descended. During the descent the UAS struck the cart and came to a stop on the ground near the cart. After landing, the UAS performed an unplanned vertical ascent, started to oscillate, and descended into the ground.

The UAS sustained substantial damage to the upper wing struts and fuselage.

The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the UAS that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: 

The unmanned aircraft system’s failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle, which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.

Findings

• Personnel issues Aircraft control - Pilot 
• Environmental issues Ground equipment - Effect on operation

History of Flight 

• Initial climb: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) (Defining event) 
• Landing: Loss of control in flight