H3 Dynamics to Face Authorized Motion Following Drone Crash

H3 Dynamics, an industrial unmanned aircraft (UAS) operator, will face authorized fees subsequent to a critical drone incident occurring within the One-North precinct. The Singaporean Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS) announced on October 25 that it had completed its investigation into the incident, rendering it possible to withdraw H3 Dynamics’ licence for conducting aerial evaluations and exhibitions.

On July 19, H3 Dynamics successfully conducted a series of test flights using the Tundra 2 drone, a product of Hexadrone innovation. After eight flights, the drone suddenly lost control, plummeting to the ground just yards from a nearby residential building. A small fire had started in a fireplace, but it was quickly put out by the local residents. Fortunately, no accidents were reported, but the incident caused damage to both the drone and the construction site.

CAAS’s probe uncovered a litany of critical operational shortcomings on H3 Dynamics’ part.

• H3 Dynamics failed to comply with established procedures outlined in its operation’s manual, which had been previously submitted to CAAS as part of its operator authorization application.
• The Tundra 2 drone involved in the incident had undergone unauthorized modifications by H3 Dynamics without preceding notice or approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
• Despite holding no valid Unmanned Aircraft (UA) pilot’s license, the drone operator continued to operate the device.
• H3 Dynamics failed to adapt to the Centralized Flight Administration System’s procedures, which aim to notify operators and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) whenever a drone strays from its authorized flight trajectory.

Given these findings, CAAS has taken decisive action to ensure public safety and enforce aviation regulations. Following the unfortunate incident, H3 Dynamics risks facing legal action due to their apparent negligence, with their flight testing and demonstration privileges subsequently revoked.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore stays committed to ensuring public safety while promoting responsible and accountable unmanned aerial vehicle operations. The authority will promptly enforce rigorous legislation and initiate appropriate measures to prevent such occurrences from happening again at some point in the future.