Part 107 UAS pilot reported accidentally flying in controlled airspace without authorization. The pilot discovered the airspace violation after the flight.

Date: 2025-05 · Aircraft: DJI Matrice 4E · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: airspace-violation-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-unauthorized-flight-operations-uas|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-far|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy

Synopsis

Part 107 UAS pilot reported accidentally flying in controlled airspace without authorization. The pilot discovered the airspace violation after the flight.

Narrative

1. What happened?While flying my drone (UAS) for a commercial mapping mission on Day 0; I inadvertently launched in Class D airspace near ZZZ. I did not have a LAANC authorization at the time of the flight. I became aware of the violation after the flight when I checked my airspace map/app more carefully and realized the location was within an actively controlled airspace boundary.2. Why did it happen?This occurred due to human factors on my part when planning a multi-site mission. I had previously reviewed the area using Aloft; but I had mistakenly confused this site with a separate site that was just outside of the ZZZ Class D Airspace. It was not my intention to violate any FAA rules; and I was unaware of the airspace classification at the time of launch.3. What actions did you take?Once I realized the airspace violation at the next site which I had confused the airspace with; I immediately researched the previous flight area and mission. Upon realizing my failure; I informed myself on the necessary means to self-report; along with a performing post-incident review of my actions and the preceding conditions. I am now filing this report in an effort to take full responsibility and contribute to overall safety awareness.4. What could have prevented this?A more thorough pre-flight planning system and check list would have prevented this incident. This was an error of organization and pre-flight double checking.5. What will you do differently in the future?I am implementing a system to identify and write down site-specific issues for flight missions prior to flight. In addition; I am committing to complete my pre-flight checklist that includes confirming airspace with FAA-authorized LAANC apps and reviewing airspace class boundaries before each flight. I also intend to keep updated on UAS regulations regularly.

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.