Government large UAS pilot reported the UAS climbed past the approved altitude limit for a short period of time before the pilot descended the UAS.
Synopsis
Government large UAS pilot reported the UAS climbed past the approved altitude limit for a short period of time before the pilot descended the UAS.
Narrative
I was flying a test point and while comparing Barometric altitude vs GPS altitude in Class E airspace approximately 15NM SW of ZZZ we climbed past our Certificate of Authorization (COA) altitude limit of 12;500' by approximately 200' for approximately 30 seconds. Once I recognized the deviation I immediately corrected the altitude deviation. Our flight which was taking place inside of a NOTAM.
NASA callback
Reporter stated the crew was testing the autonomy system of the aircraft and it was gradually climbing. During the test; the crew were reading out the different altitudes and didn't notice the aircraft overshooting the COA altitude limit.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.