How many days does a remote pilot have to report an sUAS accident to the FAA?

The correct timeframe for reporting an sUAS accident to the FAA is indeed 10 days. According to FAA regulations, a remote pilot is required to report an accident involving their small Unmanned Aircraft System if it results in serious injury, loss of consciousness, or damage to property, including the sUAS itself, amounting to more than a specified financial threshold. This reporting must be completed within 10 calendar days of the incident.

This timeframe is set to ensure timely notification, allowing for prompt investigation and assessment, which is crucial for maintaining safety standards in the national airspace system. Timely reporting also helps in gathering data that may be used for safety analysis and future regulatory considerations. Adhering to this requirement is vital for compliance with FAA regulations, and failure to do so could result in penalties or actions against the remote pilot's certification. Understanding the specific regulations around accident reporting is essential for all remote pilots to operate legally and safely.