Under what circumstances must a pilot report a drone accident to the FAA?

A pilot must report a drone accident to the FAA when there is injury, property damage over $500, or loss of control. This requirement is designed to ensure safety and accountability in drone operations. Reporting these incidents allows the FAA to gather data on accidents, which can be used to improve regulations and safety protocols in the future.

Injuries indicate a potential risk to people involved, and property damage over the specified monetary threshold indicates a significant impact that may warrant further investigation. Additionally, loss of control situations highlight a serious breach of operational safety, and reporting such incidents is vital for understanding potential contributing factors and preventing future occurrences.

The other options involve scenarios that are either less severe or do not meet the criteria established by the FAA for mandatory reporting. Minor injuries or incidental issues typically do not require reporting, as the focus is on more substantial incidents that could have implications for the safety of operations and the public.