Part 107 pilot was flying a UAS when they observed another UAS flying in their vicinity without anti collision lights. The other UAS caused a near miss and the pilot landed to end their mission early.

Date: 2023-03 · Aircraft: UAV: Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle

Anomalies: conflict-airborne-conflict|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-far|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-unauthorized-flight-operations-uas

Synopsis

Part 107 pilot was flying a UAS when they observed another UAS flying in their vicinity without anti collision lights. The other UAS caused a near miss and the pilot landed to end their mission early.

Narrative

I am Pilot In Command (PIC) of a drone who observed at approximately XA:41 on Day 0 while on a photography session another sUAS operating with no anti-collision lights during dawn. I had two anti collision strobes (minimum 3 miles visibility) activated and operating continuously. I immediately evaded the area to avoid a collision since the other PIC was flying erratically. I departed about 150 ft. north and the other PIC followed and continued to fly erratically below me. I then fully departed the area and landed to avoid a collision. I then drove to find the PIC of the sUAS and asked if he was the operator of the drone and he replied in the affirmative he was. I then discussed with him if he was a Part 107 pilot he replied he was and asked why he did not have anti-collision lights on and recommended he read the rules again and use one during night/dawn operations. He stated he didn't need to use anti-collision lights because he was flying under recreational/hobbyist flight rules. I informed him regardless he must have anti-collision lights on during dawn and night operations (Part 107.29) to avoid an incident.

NASA callback

The reporter had no additional information to share.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.