Part 107 UAS pilot reported learning another UAS pilot had a fly away due to possible GPS issue. The reporter also expressed concerns about the company's safety culture.
Synopsis
Part 107 UAS pilot reported learning another UAS pilot had a fly away due to possible GPS issue. The reporter also expressed concerns about the company's safety culture.
Narrative
UAS aircraft lost communication with the onsite controller - lost GPS suspected. UAS flew away and crashed at an unknown location. The fly-away occurred in an area where low manned air traffic frequently transitions below 500 ft. AGL. The fly-away was not reported to the client; as required; nor was it reported to the FAA. Pilots were firmly told to keep the accident a secret - I was told to keep the accident a secret despite being asked by the client to report all flyaways; and safety issues.The pilots went back to the site on a secret reconnaissance mission and located the drone. The damage the drone suffered was major damage however could be repaired. The pilot and observer were upset about being threatened with their jobs if they reported the flyaway as there had been several other accidents that were not reported to the customer despite the customer being aware there were unreported occurrences they could not prove them. Other remote pilots with the drone company expressed being uncomfortable about the number of accidents; and continual 'cover-ups' by the drone company... Unfortunately; there were several other incidents at the same location that were required to be reported to the client (not reportable by FAA definitions). Unfortunately; this drone operator has an extremely immature safety culture; does not follow the operating conditions in their waivers or exemptions notably following any of FAA [Advisory Circular] 120-92B. Additionally the information contained in their waivers is not accurately. Given the safety culture of this organization this operator presents a risk to their commercial client and the safety of the national airspace. The reporter has encouraged other pilots in the organization to report their incidents; and accidents.
NASA callback
The reporter indicated they were only an observer of flight operations and not part of the UAS crew. Reporter indicated a lack of safety culture within the Part 107 company.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.