Amazon's ambitious drone delivery program has hit another regulatory hurdle as federal authorities launch an investigation into an incident where one of the company's delivery drones severed an internet cable in central Texas. The probe comes at a critical time when the e-commerce giant is expanding its aerial delivery services across multiple US states.
The Waco Drone Incident: What Actually Happened?
Last week in Waco, Texas, an Amazon MK30 delivery drone encountered serious trouble moments after successfully dropping off a package. As the drone began ascending, one of its six propellers became entangled with a nearby internet cable. Video evidence of the incident clearly shows the drone shearing through the wire before its motor shut down automatically.
The damaged drone then performed what Amazon describes as a safe contingent landing, touching down with only minor damage to one propeller while the main body remained largely intact. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the incident didn't cause widespread internet service disruptions in the area.
Federal Investigations and Amazon's Response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it is actively investigating the matter, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) acknowledges awareness of the incident though hasn't opened a formal probe. This marks the second federal investigation into Amazon's drone operations in recent weeks, following another probe launched last month after two Prime Air drones collided with a construction crane in Tolleson, Arizona.
In an official statement to CNBC, Amazon addressed the Texas incident directly. We've paid for the cable line's repair for the customer and have apologised for the inconvenience this caused them, an Amazon spokesperson stated, emphasizing that the drone had completed its package delivery mission successfully before the cable entanglement occurred.
The Bigger Picture: Amazon's Drone Delivery Ambitions
This incident highlights the challenges facing Amazon's decade-long pursuit of founder Jeff Bezos' vision for drone delivery. The company aims to deliver packages including toothpaste, books, and other small items to customers' doorsteps within 30 minutes or less. Since launching drone deliveries in 2022 in College Station, Texas, and Lockeford, California, Amazon has faced numerous regulatory obstacles and missed several self-imposed deadlines.
The hexacopter-shaped MK30 drone involved in the Waco incident represents Amazon's newest Prime Air model, designed to be quieter, smaller, and lighter than earlier versions. Amazon claims these drones feature advanced sense-and-avoid systems that enable them to detect and avoid obstacles both in the air and on the ground. The company recommends customers maintain about 10 feet of open space on their property to facilitate safe drone landings.
Despite recent setbacks, Amazon continues expanding its drone delivery footprint. The company recently launched services in Waco for customers within specific distances of its same-day delivery site, offering delivery of eligible items weighing 5 pounds or less in under an hour. Recent expansions include Kansas City, Missouri; Pontiac, Michigan; San Antonio, Texas; and Ruskin, Florida, with plans announced for Richardson, Texas.
Meanwhile, competition in the drone delivery space intensifies as Walmart, having begun drone deliveries in 2021, partners with Alphabet's Wing and venture-backed startup Zipline to offer similar services across several states including Texas. Amazon's ambitious target of delivering 500 million parcels annually by drone by the end of the decade now faces both technical challenges and increased regulatory scrutiny following these recent incidents.
