What happened
On 18 January 2024, a SwissDrones SDO 50 V2 unmanned aircraft system (UAS), registered as N780PA, was engaged in operations in Antioch, Georgia, USA. During the flight, the remote pilot was alerted to several fuel pump alarms. In response to these warnings, the pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure. However, during the descent, the aircraft experienced a loss of rotor RPM. This mechanical failure led to a hard landing on a grassy field, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading from the initial fuel pump alerts to the loss of rotor RPM and the subsequent impact. The inquiry examined the operational status of the aircraft's fuel system and the mechanical performance of the rotors during the landing phase. The incident was noted by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (STSB) following notification of the event occurring in the United States.