Published: Aug 27, 2015, 05:14 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 27, 2015, 05:14 PM (IST)
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) feels that a MCG drone that crashed in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 final in March was caused by interference from cell phones and broadcast equipment. The drone’s job was to capture the video of the final match which took place between Australia and New Zealand. The drone had smashed the ground on the Batman Avenue median strip which is just south of the Rod Laver arena. It is now believed that the reason for the crash must be radio frequency interference. It was an Aeronavics SkyJib 8 aircraft. It was one metre in diameter and was remotely piloted. It was controlled by three people who were at the top of south-western scoreboard. READ: Mumbai Indians use drone technology to enhance fan experience
In a conversation with ABC news Emma Penton, Manager of short investigations at ATSB, said it was fortuitous that there were no casualties and injuries, “Yes, it was fortunate that it crashed into an area where there were no people at the time.” As pre-match ceremonies were being captured the ground control lost communication with the aircraft. “They tried to discontinue the flight but the drone was unresponsive,” Penton added.
“The accident was consistent with signal confusion. So the high volume of radio traffic at the time led to the drone being confused. It wasn’t able to discern the signals from the ground station. It’s quite possible the high volume of radio traffic due to outside broadcasting stations and mobile phone usage at the stadium contributed to the interference with the drone,” Penton elaborated.
“A better understanding of the nature of the problem may allow identification of engineering measures to reduce the risk associated with the possibility of radio frequency interference,” Penton summarised. According to ATSB report, “Although the operator had conducted a risk assessment for the accident flight, the possible effects of a substantial increase in the volume of radio frequency traffic had not been specifically considered.” In a nutshell the crash is a warning that operational controls and procedures covering drones should be strengthened, especially in places where a lot of people are present.
