ATSB and UAV Crashes

[no_one]

Two in 2 days....

Investigation: AO-2016-141 - Collision with terrain involving Lockheed Martin Stalker XE UAS, Avoca Race Track, Victoria, on 25 October 2016 (http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-141/)

Investigation: AO-2016-139 - Collision with terrain involving Lockheed Martin Stalker XE UAS, Mount Disappointment, Victoria, on 24 October 2016 (http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2016/aair/ao-2016-139/)

Interesting that the ATSB are investigating these.

[MikeJulietHotel]

When I saw these I couldn't help trying to work out what the cost of two write offs would be. I'd have thought it would be a disappointment :-)

[B772]

Stalker UAV - Lockheed Martin - detailed info (http://www.guavas.info/drones/Lockheed%20Martin-Stalker%20UAV-264)

[compressor stall]

http://www.lockheedmartin.com.au/us/products/stalker-uas.html

Video and info here.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com.au/us/products/stalker-uas.html

[clark y]

"While hovering, the engine failed and the RPA collided with terrain. The RPA was destroyed."
Looking at the links, the stalker looks like a conventional aeroplane. If so how does it "hover"? It's not a quad copter or and Edge 540.
Are these commercial operations or did someone get injured? Otherwise why is the ATSB bothering to investigate?

[underfire]

ATSB is involved because these platforms require a licensed pilot to operate them.

One reason why there was such pushback on this in the States, as the pilots were afraid the accidents would go on their records...

[tail wheel]

The type of operation is shown as "Aerial Work", presumably under an AOC?