UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Total 25
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Aircraft
I am part of a research team. For this research project; we use [UAV] aircraft to measure atmospheric conditions. For our flights; the [UAV] climbs vertically from the takeoff point to 2;500 feet AGL. It then descends back to the takeoff point to land. As Pilot in Command for these flights; my responsibility is the same as PIC of a manned aircraft. I ensure that the aircraft is operated according to procedures; I ensure that safety is considered at all times; I watch the aircraft and scan the area for other air traffic. I have full authority under 14 CFR 91.3 to end the flight or take any other action I see fit at any time. I do not; however; manipulate the controls. A separate [UAV] operator does so under my supervision and under my authority. The incident in question occurred during descent from the 8th flight of the day. The previous 7 had gone perfectly; without incident. On this flight; during descent; the rotors and motors sounded different than they usually do during this phase of flight. Believing this to be nearby air traffic; I quickly scanned the area. Seeing no traffic; I returned my line of sight to the [UAV]; which was descending more quickly than normal. Suddenly; a large cloud of smoke emanated from the [UAV]. All personnel on the ground moved away from the [UAV]; which fell to the ground and landed in a patch of grass.
UAV Operator reported losing control of the aircraft following an undetermined significant failure that resulted in the UAV crashing to the ground.