An Amazon Prime Air delivery drone contacted an object above the roof of a moving vehicle and crashed into a garden in Darlington on Wednesday. No one was injured and Amazon says the drone "responded as designed" and landed safely. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is investigating. The CAA-approved trial delivers packages under 5 lb (2.2 kg) within a 7.5-mile (12 km) radius and runs in Darlington until year-end.
Amazon Prime Air Drone Crashes Into Garden During Darlington Delivery — AAIB Investigating
No-one was injured in the crash on Wednesday (library image) [BBC]
An Amazon Prime Air delivery drone came down in a garden in Darlington on Wednesday after contacting an object above a moving vehicle's roof. Amazon said there were no injuries and the drone landed safely.
What Amazon Says
A company spokesperson said its initial assessment indicated an "object extending above the roof of a moving vehicle inadvertently came into contact" with the drone during a delivery. "Following the contact, the drone responded as designed and came safely to the ground," the spokesperson added.
Investigation Under Way
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has opened an inquiry into the incident. Amazon said it is continuing its own investigation and is working closely with the relevant regulatory authorities.
About the Trial
The limited Prime Air launch in Darlington began earlier this year and delivers lightweight packages — under 5 lb (2.2 kg) — such as beauty items, bin liners and cables within a roughly 7.5-mile (12 km) radius of Amazon's fulfilment centre. Darlington is currently the only location outside the US where Amazon is operating the drone delivery service, following approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to run the trial until the end of the year.
Amazon said the incident poses no reported injuries and emphasised that the drone's systems acted as intended. Local residents and regulators will await AAIB findings to determine any changes needed to procedures or safety measures for the trial.
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