**NTSB Report: Orlando Drone Show Crash Due to Combined Errors & Misaligned Flight Path**
The National Transportation Safety Board recently released its preliminary report shedding light on the catastrophic drone incident that occurred at a Florida drone show last month, leaving a young boy severely injured. This heart-wrenching mishap unfolded during a Christmas light spectacle organized by Sky Elements at Lake Eola Park in Orlando on Dec. 21, 2024. As the show commenced, hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the mesmerizing aerial display, only to be met with chaos as some drones deviated from their designated flight paths, colliding with each other before plummeting to the ground.
**Preliminary Findings Unveiled**
The NTSB’s preliminary findings pointed towards a series of “combined errors” that transpired right before the commencement of the aerial show, resulting in a misaligned flight path for a select few of the 500 drones partaking in the performance. Prior to the show’s kickoff, a remote pilot in command verified the setup’s standard protocol, conducting preflight checks to ensure all software programming across the 500-drone grid was synchronized and updated on the show computers on the ground.
**Technical Glitches Unraveled**
However, approximately five drones initially failed to accept launch data, raising concerns. Yet, diligent troubleshooting efforts resolved the issue just minutes before the show’s scheduled start time, with all drones successfully connecting to the network. Following a soft reboot to ensure readiness, two drones were disqualified from the showcase due to system irregularities, paving the way for the rest to be armed and prepared for liftoff.
**Disastrous Unfolding**
Nevertheless, as the drones ascended into the night sky, a critical error in the launch parameter file surfaced, leading to a misalignment in their flight paths. This deviation resulted in a chaotic sequence of events, causing collisions among the drones and ultimately leading to their uncontrolled descent towards the ground. Regrettably, one drone veered dangerously close to the audience, endangering the safety of onlookers.
**Safety Measures and Ongoing Investigation**
Despite the unfolding crisis, the show’s remote pilot decided to proceed with the display, prioritizing safety protocols to ensure the remaining drones completed their performance without incident. Following the incident, the NTSB initiated an investigation, recovering impacted drones for analysis while proposing additional safety measures to prevent similar mishaps in the future.
**A Call for Enhanced Safety Protocols**
In response to the incident, Sky Elements proposed enhanced safety measures to the Federal Aviation Administration, advocating for stricter on-site oversight before shows, mandatory chief pilot verification of all pre-show steps, and additional training for all pilots to bolster safety standards. Subsequently, the FAA imposed restrictions on Sky Elements, suspending its waiver for drone performances near crowds and during nighttime, emphasizing the critical need for improved safety measures in the drone industry.
As the investigation continues to unravel the root causes of this tragic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with unmanned aerial displays, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize safety above all else to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from recurring.
