Amazon Prime Air’s MK30 delivery drone clipped an underground internet cable while delivering a package in Waco, Texas, on November 18. The collision snapped the cable and forced the drone to perform a safe landing, with no injuries reported and no widespread service disruption.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced the investigation on November 26, 2025. The probe will examine whether Amazon complied with Part 107 and Part 135 regulations, focusing on the drone’s sense‑and‑avoid system and its ability to detect and avoid ground obstacles. If violations are found, Amazon could face fines, operational restrictions, or mandatory changes to its delivery protocols, potentially delaying its goal of 500 million drone‑delivered packages per year by 2030.
Amazon’s spokesperson said the incident was an isolated event and that the drone’s safety systems performed as designed. The company highlighted its commitment to safety and noted that the incident occurred after a prior FAA probe in Arizona over a crane collision in October 2025. The cumulative regulatory scrutiny could increase pressure on Amazon’s logistics and technology initiatives.
The investigation could have significant business implications. A fine or restriction would raise operating costs and could slow the rollout of the MK30 fleet, which Amazon introduced in late 2022/early 2023 and has been deploying across Texas, Arizona, and California. Competitors such as Walmart are also expanding drone delivery, so any delay could erode Amazon’s competitive advantage in the emerging last‑mile market.
The MK30 incorporates advanced sense‑and‑avoid technology that is required for beyond‑visual‑line‑of‑sight operations. The FAA’s focus on this system reflects growing regulatory emphasis on autonomous flight safety. Amazon’s broader strategy to scale drone deliveries hinges on regulatory approval, so the probe underscores the importance of meeting FAA safety standards while pursuing aggressive growth targets.
In summary, the FAA’s formal investigation marks a new regulatory hurdle for Amazon’s Prime Air program. The outcome will influence the company’s ability to expand its drone fleet, affect its cost structure, and shape its competitive position in the rapidly evolving last‑mile logistics market.
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