What must be reported to the FAA after a sUAS accident?

The requirement to report injuries or property damage to the FAA after a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) accident is rooted in safety and accountability protocols. If there are any injuries to people or damage to property, this signifies a potential risk to public safety. The FAA mandates these reports to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident, which can help improve regulations, provide data for future safety measures, and enhance overall operational awareness for sUAS operators.

In this context, it's crucial to recognize that while damage to the aircraft, loss of communication, and changes to the flight plan are important operational factors, they don't necessarily trigger the same level of reporting obligation unless they result in injuries or property damage. This emphasizes the FAA's focus on protecting person and property as a priority in the regulation of sUAS operations. Reporting injuries or property damage helps inform the regulatory body of challenges in the current sUAS ecosystem and leads to improvements, ensuring safer navigational practices in the future.