Drone Manufacturer: DJI
Drone Model: Mavic 2 Pro Enterprise Dual
Country: United States of America
Type: Accident
Date: 2021-03-26
Applies: Daytime
Pilot Qualifications: Licensed or Certificated by Aviation Authority
Pilot Flight Experience: 120 Hours
Link to External Information About This submission:
File Uploaded: Flight Video
Description
The pilot was using the UAS to map a flooded river. Hazards had been noted, including a bridge and powerlines crossing the river. As the UAS was lowering a second powerline that was not initially seen came into view on the viewfinder and the UAS hit the line, spinning the UAS around and knocking the camera askew. The UAS was immediately returned to the LZ and inspected for damage. No damage to any propeller or the body was noted, and camera footage showed that the UAS’s camera appeared to be the only impact point into the line. No damage to the line or the UAS was noted.
The attached video shows the line coming into view and the point of impact.
Reported Cause
Though the hazards had been previously noted it was not possible to get directly next to the river and a second line was missed during the visual scan. In addition, the angle of the pilot position plus the lighting at the time caused it to be difficult to spot the second line. Because we were operating close to the noted hazards the pilot was making small movements, which reduced the impact of bumping the line.