What happened
On 24 May 2021, a commercial aerial work operation was being conducted approximately 4km south of Robben Island in Table Bay. The pilot was operating a DJI Phantom 4 Pro, registered as ZT-UTG, to capture aerial imagery of a vessel at sea.
During the return flight to the base, the drone lost communication with the controller. The pilot reported that a large number of seagulls were actively chasing the aircraft, complicating the flight. Additionally, because the pilot was facing the sun, the reflection of sunlight off the ocean surface created a blinding glare. This environmental interference made it impossible to maintain the necessary visual line of sight, and the drone subsequently plunged into the ocean. The aircraft was not recovered following its submersion.
The investigation
The investigation, based on information provided by the operator, focused on the circumstances leading to the loss of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro. The inquiry examined the impact of environmental conditions and wildlife interference on the pilot's ability to monitor the aircraft's position. No injuries were reported during the incident, and the aircraft sustained total loss.
Findings
- The pilot attempted to fly in environmental conditions that were not suitable for maintaining visual contact with the aircraft.
- Sunlight reflecting off the water surface created intense glare, which obscured the pilot's vision.
- Local bird activity, specifically seagulls, interfered with the drone's flight path.
- The loss of visual tracking led to the loss of control and the eventual crash into the sea.
Safety action
While no formal safety recommendations were issued, the incident serves as a safety message for remote pilots. Operators performing flights within the visual line of sight must ensure that the operating environment is free of obstructions and that lighting conditions allow for continuous, clear monitoring of the aircraft.