When a Flight Goes Wrong
Protect people first, use emergency authority only as necessary, then document and report qualifying events on time.
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO
- 01Identify the rule, source, or principle behind this idea: FAA accident reporting is generally required within ten days for serious injury or loss of consciousness.
- 02Explain the operational effect of this idea: It is also required when damage to property other than the drone exceeds the current $500 threshold.
- 03Apply the lesson to a new mission and defend a go, modify, or no-go decision.
01 / MISSION
Begin with the operating problem.
A propeller strike damages a parked vehicle and repair estimates reach $900, excluding damage to the drone.
02 / CORE BRIEF
What the remote pilot needs to know.
FAA accident reporting is generally required within ten days for serious injury or loss of consciousness.
It is also required when damage to property other than the drone exceeds the current $500 threshold.
A remote PIC may deviate from Part 107 in an in-flight emergency only to the extent necessary to meet that emergency.
03 / PILOT DECISION
Make the call.
Secure the scene, document facts, and submit the required FAA accident report within ten days.
04 / FIELD CHECK
Put it into the flight plan.
Save time, location, crew, aircraft, conditions, injuries, property damage, photos, and witness details immediately after the event.
05 / KNOWLEDGE CHECK
Does damage to the drone itself count toward the $500 property threshold?
Reveal the debrief
No. The threshold concerns property other than the small unmanned aircraft.
RELATED FAA REFERENCES
Verify before you fly.
Educational summary only. Current regulation, FAA approval conditions, manufacturer instructions, and site-specific facts control the operation.