H3 Dynamics faces charges after drone malfunction sparks safety concerns.
Singapore-based commercial drone operator H3 Dynamics is under legal scrutiny following a crash involving one of its drones at One-North Residences on 19 July 2024. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced on 25 October that the company would be charged for operating the drone in a manner that endangered lives and property. If convicted, H3 Dynamics faces a fine of up to $100,000.
Incident Details
The accident occurred during a series of test flights conducted from the Pixel Building using the Hexadrone Tundra 2 model. Around 6 p.m., the drone veered off course, colliding with the facade of a condominium building 200 meters from its launch site. The crash resulted in a small fire that residents extinguished quickly, leaving burn marks on the ground. No injuries were reported.
Findings and Violations
Investigations revealed multiple breaches of safety protocols:
The drone was modified without prior approval.
One of the pilots lacked the required operating license.
The operation deviated from procedures outlined in the company’s manual submitted to CAAS.
Two pilots received 12-month conditional warnings—one for operating the drone without a license and another for failing to use the required flight management system during the operation.
Corrective Actions and Repercussions
CAAS conducted audits in August and September, issuing corrective orders that H3 Dynamics complied with. While CAAS lifted the suspension on the Hexadrone Tundra 2 base model and reinstated H3 Dynamics’ aerial photography and videography permissions, the company is permanently barred from conducting flight tests and demonstrations.
Additionally, H3 Dynamics will face more frequent safety audits moving forward, reflecting the heightened scrutiny following the incident.
This case underscores the importance of stringent adherence to aviation regulations, particularly as drones play an increasingly prominent role in various industries.
