Amazon Delivery Drones Crash Into Crane in Arizona, Prompting Federal Investigation

Amazon is currently under federal investigation after two of its Prime Air delivery drones crashed into a construction crane in Tolleson, Arizona, causing significant damage and a fire. The incident, occurring on a Wednesday morning near an Amazon distribution facility west of Phoenix, prompted the company to temporarily halt drone operations in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting investigations into the crash. Although no serious injuries were reported, one individual was treated for smoke inhalation. Amazon has since resumed its drone deliveries while cooperating with the authorities and has introduced additional safety measures such as enhanced landscape inspections to monitor for moving obstacles like cranes. This incident marks a notable challenge for Amazon's Prime Air program, which aims to deliver packages via drones and has faced setbacks including prior accidents and regulatory hurdles.cnbc+7

Details of the Incident

The two MK30 drones were flying in close succession when they collided with the boom of a crane involved in roof work near an Amazon facility, causing both drones to crash into separate parking lots about 100 to 200 feet apart. The crash caused fire and substantial damage to the drones, weighing over 80 pounds each. Emergency services responded quickly, and the affected area was near Amazon's distribution center, emphasizing the risks of drone delivery operations in busy industrial zones.gizmodo+3

Amazon's Response and Safety Measures

Amazon has completed an internal review concluding no fault with the drones or their supporting technology. The company has emphasized safety as its top priority and has implemented additional processes including enhanced visual inspections of the delivery landscape to better detect moving obstacles such as construction cranes. Amazon is cooperating fully with the FAA and NTSB investigations and has resumed drone operations in the Tolleson area after a temporary suspension.foxbusiness+4

Regulatory and Industry Context

The incident highlights the challenges drone delivery faces in integrating safely into complex environments. It occurs while the U.S. Department of Transportation is considering new rules to allow drones to operate beyond the visual line of sight of operators, a key step to expanding commercial drone deliveries. Amazon's Prime Air service, launched commercially in the Phoenix area in late 2024, aims to use drones for rapid delivery of packages under five pounds, with a long-term goal of delivering 500 million packages annually by the end of the decade.techcrunch+1

This investigation could be pivotal for the future of commercial drone delivery and regulatory oversight in the U.S..techbuzz+1