Drones collide with crane boom in Tolleson, FAA, NTSB investigate

Two Amazon Prime Air delivery drones collided with the boom of a crane and crashed in Tolleson, Arizona, on Wednesday morning, prompting federal investigations and a temporary suspension of drone deliveries in the West Valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. local time about two miles from Amazon’s local fulfillment site, where the service began last November.

Local officials and witnesses said the two MK30 drones were flying in sequence when they struck a crane that was lifting equipment at a nearby facility. The drones fell into adjacent parking lots, suffering substantial damage and igniting wreckage that produced smoke. One person was treated for smoke inhalation, authorities said; no other injuries have been reported. Tolleson police initially responded but have ceded the inquiry to federal agencies.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened investigations into the crash, agency statements confirmed. The NTSB said it expects to issue a preliminary report within about 30 days. The FAA is leading the safety probe and has not yet released further details on its review.