If an sUAS operating as part of a news crew strikes a vehicle, causing damage, when must the accident be reported to the FAA?

In the context of sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations, it is crucial to understand the timeline for reporting accidents to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When a sUAS strikes a vehicle and causes damage, it falls under the regulations set forth by the FAA for reporting accidents.

The requirement to report an accident to the FAA must occur if there is substantial damage to property (in this case, the vehicle) or if the accident involves any injury. According to the regulations, any incident that meets these criteria must be reported within 10 days of the occurrence. This period allows for a thorough investigation and ensures that safety issues can be assessed promptly to help prevent future incidents.

Therefore, the correct timing for reporting such an accident aligns with the requirement to do so within 10 days of the incident, as outlined in the regulations. This timeframe is established to maintain safety and accountability in the operation of UAS, especially in sensitive scenarios such as media coverage and public safety.