Reporting a Drone Crash to the NTSB and FAA

In this show, Bill English from NTSB shares WHEN and HOW to report a drone crash. Tune in for detailed, step-by-step instructions.

What should you do if you crash your drone? If you are Part 107 pilot flying a drone, you must be aware that your bird can cause significant damage to person and property in the event of a crash.

Because drones are classified as aircraft, a drone crash needs to be investigated by the NTSB. But, should you report every crash to the NTSB? If not, how do you know if your crash is a  serious and reportable incident? What are the physical and financial damage thresholds for reporting a drone crash? You will also learn if you should report your drone crash to the FAA in addition to NTSB. Thanks to Bill for this excellent information. This is a show you do not want to miss. Tune in now!

Check out NTSB’s Advisory to Operators of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the United States for more information on this topic.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Reporting a Drone Crash

Step 1: Prepare an Emergency Response Plan

1. An effective plan for dealing with damage and injury caused by your drone
2. Always keep a First-Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher within reach
3. Ensure you have reliable cell phone coverage so that you can call 911

Step 2: Gauge the extent of damage caused by the drone crash

1. Not every drone crash needs to be reported to the NTSB.
2. If your drone crash did not hurt anyone or cause significant damage to property (Check Step 3), you do NOT need to report a crash
3. If your drone crash caused severe injury, it would be subject to strict reporting requirements

Step 3: Report a serious drone crash to the NTSB immediately

1. Serious accidents like mid-air collisions need to be reported immediately
2. When you hurt someone badly, report it immediately.
3. If you crash into a tree and do not hurt anyone or cause any damage to property, you do NOT need to report the drone crash
4. Because drones are classified as aircraft, NTSB will investigate serious incidents
5. Preserve evidence in the event of serious crashes

Step 4: Report a drone crash to the FAA DroneZone

1. Report a drone crash within ten days
2. All drone crashes that cause significant physical harm or financial harm should be reported
3. Any damages over $500 need to be reported

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