The ATSB is investigating control issues during an RPAS swarm display using 500 DAMODA Newton 2.2 RPA’s at Docklands Harbour, Victoria on 14 July 2023.
During an RPAS light show, multiple aircraft within the swarm experienced un-commanded movement, resulting in multiple errors presenting on the ground control station, failsafe mode activations, collisions with water, each other and multiple aircraft escaping the geo-fence. 440 of the RPA’s were lost.
The ATSB has completed the evidence collection and analysis phases of the investigation and is drafting the final report.
The final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.