This paper deals with the challenges faced when investigating accidents related to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The first aim is to generate statistical data on UAV accidents and to use that data to gain insights into the types and reasons for the accidents. From those insights, this paper identifies the challenges being presented to investigators when researching UAV accidents. The final aim is to present ideas on how these challenges can be overcome.
Searches were conducted on the databases of the Australian Transport Safety Board (ATSB), the American Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the British based Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB) using search strings representing UAVs models weighing 25kg or higher. The results from this searching were compiled into groups representing accidents “unique to UAVs”, “not unique to UAVs” and “industrial sector(s)”. Further analysis of this data highlighted commonalities and issues from each accident. Statistical data was generated detailing specific elements and causes of the reviewed accidents.
24 separate accidents were reviewed for this report. Articles reviewed in the preliminary stages of this project indicated a higher portion of accidents were to be found but database searches conducted in this project failed to locate the numbers suggested in those articles. Key results indicated that 16.66% of the UAV accidents had a common causal factor unique to UAVs – this factor being the loss of the UAV data-link. The remaining 83.34% of the reviewed accidents experienced varying causal factors that were identified as not being unique to UAVs.
Investigators for 12.5% of the reviewed accidents were unable to locate or retrieve the UAV. This resulted in accident reports consisting of known data only and not having any evidence related to the structure of the UAV.
Discussions are presented that outline key challenges faced by UAV accident investigators. These challenges consist of: data-link technologies, loss of vehicle, pilot situational awareness, testing of prototypes and finally, possible budgetary constraints related to UAVs. Possible new investigation techniques for UAV accidents are outlined.
This report concludes with further discussion on the identified issues combined with questioning from the author relating to those issues. The identification of further research is introduced as a measure to possibly counter some of the inconsistencies found in this research project compared to the quoted reports.
Download the full report here:
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Research Report – Challenges in Investigating UAV Accidents |
