A drone experiences a propulsion anomaly and begins drifting in a direction the pilot cannot arrest. The aircraft is over an open field with no people present. It appears headed toward a residential street 400 meters away. What is the most appropriate response?

Question

Accepted Answer

Continue attempting full control recovery while moving toward the likely landing area to manage the situation on the ground. When an aircraft drifts but is still airborne over an open area, the PIC should continue recovery attempts while moving to manage where it lands. Cutting power over any distance creates an uncontrolled ballistic descent with no steering. Return-to-home will not resolve a propulsion failure. The priority is keeping people clear of the likely landing zone while exhausting control options. If the aircraft is approaching people with no recovery possible, then cutting power early to land it short of the hazard may become the best option.

Answer

Cut motor power immediately to bring the aircraft down in the open field before it reaches the street

Answer

Activate return-to-home and trust the automation to resolve the propulsion issue