The Incident Unveiled

On July 19, H3 Dynamics was conducting a series of test flights involving the TUNDRA 2 drone, manufactured by French company Hexadrone. Flights were launched from the PIXEL building, nestled within one-north's designated drone estate—a high-tech urban environment for testing drone applications.

Tragically, during the eighth test flight, control of the drone was lost shortly post take-off, leading it to crash into the facade of One-North Residences, approximately 200 meters from its launch site. The incident ignited a fire, which fortunately, resident actions quickly extinguished. Although the drone was damaged and burn marks marred the floor, authorities confirmed that there were no personal injuries.

Uncovering the Missteps

Following the crash, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) initiated an investigation into H3 Dynamics, promptly suspending its operations alongside the use of the TUNDRA 2 model. The investigation revealed several violations of safety and protocol:

1. Non-compliance: H3 Dynamics failed to adhere to specific procedures outlined in its operations manual, which had been submitted to CAAS while applying for operator permits.

2. Unauthorized Modifications: The TUNDRA 2 drone was modified without prior approval from CAAS.

3. Improper Licensing: The staff member piloting the drone lacked a valid UAV pilot license.

4. Neglecting Procedures: Operations did not follow the Centralised Flight Management System (CFMS) protocols that ensure the safety of flight paths.

Contrary to the incident’s specifics, CAAS found no inherent safety issues with the Hexadrone TUNDRA 2 itself.

Legal Ramifications and Safety Measures

In light of the findings, H3 Dynamics has been charged under the Air Navigation Act for operating the UAV in a manner that posed a potential threat to life and property. If convicted, the company risks facing fines as high as S$100,000 (approximately US$76,000).

The person who operated the drone during the tests received a conditional warning for flying without a UA pilot license, along with another team member for neglecting CFMS app usage.

Following the crash, two on-site audits were conducted, generating corrective action notices to ensure compliance with safety measures. H3 Dynamics has since addressed these issues, refining its operational controls and escalating the training rigor for its UAV pilots.

A New Path Forward

The suspension imposed on H3 Dynamics will be lifted, but with strict limitations: the company will only be permitted to engage in aerial photography and videography, eliminating any drones operation for flight testing or demonstration purposes. The authority has mandated increased scrutiny, including more frequent safety audits once operations resume.

Beyond this localized incident, CAAS has called for all UAV permit holders in Singapore to reassess their safety protocols. In a proactive measure, CAAS has also improved guidance materials aimed at clarifying standards for flight testing operations and UAV modifications, all in a bid to uphold public safety.

This unfortunate incident serves as a wake-up call to the drone industry, emphasizing the critical importance of stringent adherence to safety regulations to prevent future disasters.