Police drone flying near Reading was lost in mist
An official report reveals how the pilot lost sight and control of it
An official report has revealed how a Police drone operating near Reading got lost in mist.
It had been flying late at night as part of a search operation over a quarry at Span Hill near Sonning Eye when the pilot lost sight of it.
The Air accident investigation branch report said a 'return to home' function that should have brought the drone back to its take-off site hadn't been set properly.
The drone was discovered the next day in a playground five kilometres from where it took off.
"Following the accident, the operator amended its In-Flight Checklist to include an action to confirm the home point is locked, and if time permits, to check the RTH (return to home) function. It also intends to fit additional LED lighting to its unmanned aircraft, to assist in maintaining line of sight at night." AAIB Safety Actions
Police say the pilot would be retrained and the drone would have lights added to help improve visibility.
Read the full report here