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NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) - UAS Safety in Sight

February 2024

What Would You Have Done

Every ASRS report is a learning opportunity. In this issue of UAS Safety In Sight, we present a report from a recreational drone flyer that describes an unexpected turn of events. The report offers an opportunity to explore the sequence of events, the outcomes, and lessons learned. In short, the report offers an opportunity to ask, “What would I have done?” 


To start, we present “The First Half” of an actual ASRS report that describes an event up to a point where a decision was made. We invite you to read the story and then stop and ponder the scenario. Exercise your own judgement to make a decision or determine a possible course of action. Then, read the rest of the story to find out what actions the reporter took. Bear in mind that their decisions may not necessarily represent the best course of action, and there may not be a “right” answer. The selected report may not give all the information you want, but each incident should give you a chance to exercise your decision-making skills. Our intent is to stimulate thought, training, and discussion related to these reported incidents. 

Unexpected and Approaching Fast

A Recreational Drone Operator reported:

The First Half of the Story...

I was flying legally at 120 ft. above the tree tops outside of Class C [airspace] when two alerts popped up on my screen saying that aircraft were approaching at the same altitude. I quickly turned the UAS around and spotted a Blackhawk helicopter (UH-71) at 500 ft. which went to my east… The other I spotted at the same altitude approaching fast. I was headed to my landing spot but would have had to climb to around 300 ft. due to terrain even though the drone was in visual line of sight the whole time...    


What Would You Have Done Next?

Stop and ponder the scenario.  


Exercise your own judgement to make a decision or determine a possible course of action that might best resolve the situation.  


Then read The Rest of The Story to find out what actions the reporter took.  

...The Rest of the Story

... I made the decision that this was an emergency and it was safer to try and put the drone as close to the tree tops without crashing and hope that they didn't lose altitude... The UH-71 flew directly over my drone with maybe 250 ft. separating my drone... The UH-71 should have been able to easily spot my drone and take action to avoid the possible collision. I was prepared to crash my drone into the trees if needed but that could have caused a forest fire which would have put the nearby homes and residents at risk... My drone is registered and I hold a TRUST certificate. I [was running] nav lights visible for 3 NM and checked NOTAMs, weather, and logged my location.


Do you agree with the Reporter’s decision or would you have taken a different action? 

ASRS Database Online
To view these reports and other UAS reports, visit the ASRS Database Online: 
Visit Database Online
Would you like to learn more about the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System?

View this pre-recorded webinar on reporting to ASRS here: 

View ASRS Webinar

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Aviation Safety Reporting System
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