The Unmanned Aircraft Struck A Large Shrub During Landing And Rolled Inverted As It Came To Rest

Location: Mineral Wells, TX Accident Number: CEN23LA135
Date & Time: March 14, 2023, 10:30 Local Registration: N314AL
Aircraft: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc  APT70 Injuries: N/A
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Flight test

On March 14, 2023, about 1030 central daylight time, a Bell Textron APT70 unmanned aircraft, N314AL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mineral Wells, Texas. The aircraft was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
Part 91 as a flight test.

According to preliminary information, the unmanned aircraft struck a large shrub during landing and rolled inverted as it came to rest. Substantial damage was sustained to one wings.

FYI -- Bell Autonomous Pod Transport: Bell notes that this family of modular, unmanned Vertical Takeoff Landing (VTOL) resupply systems is designed for versatile missions with varying payloads. The Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) is reportedly scalable, flexible, and sustainable. Designed for rapid deployment, quick assembly (<15 mins to unpack, assemble, and takeoff), with simplified battery swap (<5 mins), and recharge (<1 hr), the APT family is 'always' mission ready.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov