20201106021599I

Remote pilot in command (PIC) listed in pilot information and visual observer (vo) listed in second pilot information. PIC and vo does not hold a remote pilot certificate or any airman certificate. PIC and vo operating under their part 91 public agency suas coa at the time of the incident.

Report from public agency stated the PIC was attempting to conduct surveillance on a drug target using a Dji matrice 210 UAV. He was hovering next to a gwinnett county police radio tower. The PIC gave the drone left yaw input and while doing so lost orientation of the drone. The PIC meant to move away from the tower however the left yaw movement caused the UAV to strike the tower. One of the UAV batteries caught fire. The UAV was completely destroyed. Police radio tower has been inspected and was determined to not have any damage.

On first flight of the day, PIC and vo launched UAV .46 miles from area of interest, during flight UAV lost link with controller. Screen went gray and lost link message appreared. Drone stayed stationary and did not respond to inputs. Lost link lasted 30 seconds. Link was re-establish and PIC brought UAV back to home point and landed without incident. ATC was not notified of lost link.

Coa lists lost link procedures as follows: lost link procedures: ATC does not need to be notified provided the PIC complies with the following provisions:

A. in the event that the data link is lost for at least three (3) seconds: the aircraft will execute the flight controller fail safe mode and climb to an altitude not exceeding the upper limits of the approved coa to attempt to re-establish link.

B. if link cannot be established for a period of 30 seconds:

(1) The PIC must notify any ground assets that could be affected.

(2) The vo must be instructed to note bearing and approximate distance to commence recovery operations.

(3) The aircraft will fly back to the home point and land.

C. the ua will remain within the defined incident perimeter.

D. the ua will not interfere with the traffic pattern nor arrival/departure procedure of airports within the defined incident perimeter.

E. the PIC will notify the appropriate ATC facility within 15 minutes of the end of the flight.

PIC and vo moved operation to another area closer to the area of interest. The UAV launced from a cul-d-sac and flew near the area of interest for the drug investigation. Vo stated he lost sight of the UAV. Display went black and it monetary came on and showed the drone falling to the ground after impact with the tower. No warning message appeared stating UAV was next to the structure. SD card dislodged from the unit. PIC and vo stated coa was not at the location where UAV operation was being conducted. ATC not notified. Accident reported via coa online application system-caps.

Coa lists loss of sight procedures as follows:

If a vo loses sight of the ua, unless operating in accordance with special provision c (tactical beyond line of sight-tbvlos), the PIC must be notified immediately. If the ua is visually reacquired promptly, the mission may continue. If not, the PIC must immediately terminate the operation and notify the appropriate ATC facility within 15 minutes of the end of the flight.

Public agency self-certifies its remote pilots with four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of practical instruction. Only a pass/fail practical assessment is conducted for students.

Night operations requre currency of three takeoffs and landings in the previous 90 days. Neither the PIC or vo went 90 days without currency. Public agency suas coa does not mention how the agency must self-certify their pilots and currency is maintained.

UAV wreckage was not examined in person by the FAA. Data was not observed or retrived on crystal sky display in the presence of the FAA due to UAV wreckage being sent back to manufacturer for waranty claim before FSDO was notified of the incident.