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Amazon Halts Drone Deliveries Following Crashes During Testing

The company temporarily suspends operations in Texas and Arizona after software issues caused multiple drone crashes, including one that caught fire.

  • Amazon has paused its Prime Air drone delivery operations in Texas and Arizona after two MK30 drones crashed during December testing in Oregon, with one catching fire.
  • The crashes were attributed to a software issue linked to light rain, prompting Amazon to implement software updates before resuming operations.
  • An earlier incident in September involved two MK30 drones colliding during a test simulating motor failure, leading Amazon to revise its procedures and training protocols.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crashes, and FAA approval will be required for operations to resume.
  • Amazon aims to deliver 500 million packages annually via drones by the end of the decade but continues to face setbacks, including prior crashes and program closures in other states.
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