Drone Manufacturer: DJI
Drone Model: Inspire 2
Country: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Type: Accident
Date: 2021-07-20
Applies: Daytime
Pilot Qualifications: Unknown Status
Pilot Flight Experience: 160 Hours
Link to External Information About This submission: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/61bb27a6d3bf7f05539de715/DJI_Inspire_2_UAS_registration_N_A_01-22.pdf
File Uploaded: None
Description
The UA was being flown under contract to carry out aerial camera work around a tall tower structure of a seaside tourist attraction in Brighton. The UA had flown several times around and over the top of the tower up to approximately 600 ft agl. It had completed a shot directly above the tower when contact with the controller was lost. It then descended and hit the top of the tower. Its descent appeared to be under control, but the UA failed to respond to any flight commands. The flight data recorded a loss of link, but the technical cause of the loss of control of the UA could not be determined. There was no indication of power loss or of a propulsion system failure of the UAS.
Reported Cause
The apparent controlled descent and movement of the UA, and its failure to engage its return home feature before striking the tower, could not be explained and was only recorded as a loss of link in the flight data.