An Amazon delivery drone crashed into a residential garden in Darlington, County Durham, prompting an investigation by the company and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The incident occurred on Beaumont Hill, with no injuries reported.
Amazon initially concluded that the drone likely struck an object protruding above the roof of a moving vehicle, causing it to descend. The firm stated the drone responded as designed, coming safely to the ground.
Local fears realized
The crash realized concerns voiced by Darlington residents when Amazon launched its first UK drone delivery service in May. One resident, Mary Warner, had previously told the Mirror she feared a drone could hit a baby or young child. John Peacock, who lives nearby, told ChronicleLive he heard a loud noise early Wednesday morning. Initially thinking neighbors were doing construction, he found the drone on the ground with its motors and propellers still running. “It wasn't huge but it's a substantial-sized body with a lot of energy,” Peacock said. “I don't think they're designed for an urban or semi rural environment.”
Despite the disruption, damage was minimal, confined to a small privet hedge. Amazon Prime Air technicians retrieved the drone.
Investigation details
An Amazon spokesperson stated: “While our investigation is ongoing, our initial assessment is that an object extending above the roof of a moving vehicle inadvertently came into contact with a Prime Air drone during delivery. Following the contact, the drone responded as designed and came safely to the ground. We are continuing to investigate and are working closely with the relevant regulatory authorities.”
The AAIB confirmed an accident occurred and an investigation has been launched.
Service background and mixed reactions
Darlington is the only location outside the US where Amazon offers drone delivery. The service, approved by the Civil Aviation Authority for a trial until year-end, delivers items under 5lb within a 7.5-mile radius from a fulfillment center, with delivery times under two hours. In the US, deliveries can take about 36 minutes.
While some residents expressed unease, others welcomed the service. Marjorie Dunn, who used it twice, told the Mirror: “I’m fortunate to live off the beaten track so have no worries about parcels being stolen. … There was a loud buzzing and the drone appeared over outlet rooftop and hovered over the lawn before releasing the parcel. It did drop it but both parcels were safe.”
Amazon emphasized its drones have conducted hundreds of thousands of deliveries globally with very few mishaps, asserting that Prime Air systems are built with multiple safety features and have CAA approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.
