Federal Authorities are reviewing an incident in Central Texas after an Amazon delivery drone damaged an internet cable during a routine drop off. The event drew attention as Amazon works to expand its drone delivery program across the United States while facing increasing competition from other major retailers.
The incident happened on November 18th at about 12.45 p.m. Central in Waco. A video verified by a media outlet shows an Amazon MK30 drone lifting off from a customer’s yard after completing a delivery when one of its six propellers became caught in a nearby internet cable. The footage shows the drone cutting the line before its motor powered down, allowing the aircraft to perform what appeared to be a controlled landing with only one propeller visibly damaged.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating. The National Transportation Safety Board said it is aware of the situation but has not opened a separate probe. Amazon acknowledged the event and said the drone executed a safe contingent landing. The company stated that there were no injuries and no widespread service outages. Amazon repaired the customer’s cable and apologized for the inconvenience. This follows another recent federal inquiry after two Prime Air drones collided with a construction crane in Tolleson, Arizona, which led Amazon to pause deliveries in that area.
Amazon has pursued aerial deliveries for more than a decade, aiming to transport goods like books and household items in under 30 minutes. Drone operations began in 2022 in College Station in Texas and Lockeford in California, though the program has experienced delays due to regulations, shifting timelines and companywide layoffs in 2023. Amazon plans to deliver up to 500 million packages per year by drone by the end of the decade. The MK30 drone is designed to be smaller, quieter and lighter and includes a sense and avoid system to steer clear of obstacles. Amazon recommends customers provide about 10 feet of open space for successful deliveries. The company recently launched drone service in Waco for items up to 5 pounds with delivery times under an hour and has added new locations in Kansas City, Pontiac, San Antonio and Ruskin with plans for Richardson. Walmart has also expanded its own drone operations through partnerships with Wing and Zipline.
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