Two Amazon MK30 delivery drones crashed within minutes at an Oregon test site
[MALFUNCTION]Dec 16, 2024 · Amazon · Amazon Astro · Seattle
Failure Mode
MALFUNCTION
Event Date
Dec 16, 2024
Primary Entity
Amazon
Robotic Platform
Amazon Astro
Jurisdiction / Location
Seattle
Audit Standard
Physical State Verified
Incident Abstract & Audit Findings
On Dec 16 2024 two Amazon Prime Air MK30 drones crashed within four minutes (from ~217 ft and ~183 ft) at an Oregon test facility; the LiDAR misread light rain as the ground and cut propeller power (the MK30 had removed the MK27's squat-switch redundancy). FAA approved a software fix Mar 12 2025; Amazon paused US operations in Jan 2025; an NTSB investigation was reported.
System & Fleet Architecture
Operating Manufacturer
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
https://dronexl.co/2025/05/16/why-amazon-mk30-drones-crashed-sensor-issues-exposed/
https://dronexl.co/2025/05/16/why-amazon-mk30-drones-crashed-sensor-issues-exposed/
- Inspect Filing
https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/community_engagement/uas_incident_reports
https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/community_engagement/uas_incident_reports
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Details
Incident Context & FAQ
What happened in Two Amazon MK30 delivery drones crashed within minutes at an Oregon test site?
On Dec 16 2024 two Amazon Prime Air MK30 drones crashed within four minutes (from ~217 ft and ~183 ft) at an Oregon test facility; the LiDAR misread light rain as the ground and cut propeller power (the MK30 had removed the MK27's squat-switch redundancy). FAA approved a software fix Mar 12 2025; Amazon paused US operations in Jan 2025; an NTSB investigation was reported.
When did this incident occur?
The incident is recorded as occurring on December 16, 2024 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.
What robot was involved in Two Amazon MK30 delivery drones crashed within minutes at an Oregon test site?
Amazon Astro by Amazon is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Seattle.
Has anyone responded to Two Amazon MK30 delivery drones crashed within minutes at an Oregon test site?
No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.
What is the current status of Two Amazon MK30 delivery drones crashed within minutes at an Oregon test site?
This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.