What happened
On 8 July 2020, a DJI Matrice M200 was being used for a commercial roof survey of a large building located at Stranraer Academy in Dumfries and Galloway. The operation involved using a pre-programmed flight path. Prior to the flight, the pilot performed all standard pre-flight procedures, which included evaluating the risk of bird interference in the area.
After launching the drone and performing an initial manual flight, the pilot engaged the autonomous flight mode. The aircraft successfully completed its first programmed track. However, while returning on the second track, a black-headed gull flew over the pilot and attacked the aircraft. Although the pilot attempted to regain manual control, the front right propeller was damaged during the strike. Consequently, the 6.14 kg drone fell onto the roof of the building, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.