Police Drone Crash Seriously Injures Child; Was Overhead Cable Strike Avoidable?

A Kent Police drone crash in Sheerness, Kent, has resulted in a child being seriously injured. The incident occurred in August when the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) struck an overhead cable. This marks the first time the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has investigated a UK civilian injury caused by a police drone. The case highlights critical safety questions for public sector drone operations.

Incident Details and Investigations

The incident happened around 4pm on August 2, following reports of an assault on the Isle of Sheppey. Officers rapidly deployed the drone to search for a suspect. The UAS involved was a DJI M30T injury model, a professional-grade drone weighing approximately 4kg. It was equipped with thermal, wide, and zoom cameras.

The drone hit an overhead cable and fell to the ground. The falling aircraft struck a child, causing a serious hand injury. The victim required medical treatment at a London hospital, according to Kent Police.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) conducted a “record-only” probe. The AAIB concluded the crash occurred because the pilot failed to spot the cable. They noted the overhead cable strike hazard was not identified during the rapid deployment. The AAIB decided a full investigation would not yield new findings for wider aviation safety.

Regulatory and Misconduct Inquiry

The IOPC investigation is focusing on the circumstances of the flight. Kent Police made a mandatory referral to the watchdog. The IOPC has served a misconduct notice on a special inspector involved in the operation. Serving a notice does not guarantee disciplinary proceedings will follow. The inquiry examines whether the officer followed established UK police drone regulations.

Police UAS operations fall outside the scope of some European Union regulations. However, they must still adhere to the safety objectives of the Basic Regulation. The Air Navigation Order 2016 requires pilots to avoid endangering any person or property. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) oversees UK airspace and drone safety. The CAA is actively working with government agencies to establish suitable policy for police UAS use.

• The 4kg weight of the DJI M30T drone poses a significant kinetic energy risk upon impact.
• The AAIB cited the failure to identify the overhead cable strike hazard.
• The incident is the first of its kind to be investigated by the IOPC.
• A special inspector has been served a misconduct notice.

Implications for UAS Safety

This accident underscores the need for rigorous pre-flight checks. Unmanned aircraft system accident investigations often focus on human factors. Even in emergency situations, safety protocols must be maintained. Police forces across the UK rely heavily on drones for public safety. A review in early 2023 found UK police forces use nearly 400 drones.

Drone operational risk is a key concern for the industry. The use of high-performance drones like the DJI M30T requires specialized training. Operators must be proficient in obstacle avoidance and situational awareness. The incident serves as a serious reminder for all commercial aviation news readers about UAS safety. It highlights the potential for serious injury from even professional-grade equipment. The outcome of the IOPC probe may influence future UK police drone regulations and training standards.

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