Aircraft Controls And Camera Froze During Flight

A drone operated by a licensed news photographer suddenly became inoperable while the pilot was capturing images of the Tachi Palace World's Strongest Man Competition in Holmes Beach, FL June 16th, and the pilot feels jamming is the culprit.

The Anna Maria Islander newspaper reports that the photographer, Jack Elka, who was working for the paper, launched his drone from private property north of the area where the event was taking place. But after capturing only a few images, he received a message on his controls saying "Communications failure with the drone". It was the first time Elka had received such a message.

One of the images shows three men in black shirts, one of whom was keeping an eye on the drone.

Elka was able to retrieve his aircraft and was getting ready to launch it again when an announcement was made over the event's public address system warning anyone flying a drone had to land it immediately. "You are flying in our airspace," the announcement said. The announcement was confirmed by Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

Elka packed up his aircraft and left the area, but he says he is certain his drone was jammed.

Beth Cullen, the CEO of Melon Sky Media of Tampa Bay, which had a contract to supply aerial video for event which is set to be televised on June 30, disputes the claim. She said her company does not have the ability to jam other aircraft, but did say the company was the source of the announcement.

There was no FAA TFR registered for the event. Elka's drone is equipped with geofencing software, so he says it would not have become airborne if such a restriction had been officially requested and approved. "Airspace restriction must be registered. You can't just claim it," he said.

Cullen said it was unfortunate that there was not better coordination between The Anna Maria Islander and the production company, and she was certain that the paper would have been accommodated if such coordination would have taken place. She suggested that the problem was likely with the drone, and it should be looked at by the manufacturer. Elka said his drone is working fine, and he has used it for other assignments since the Holmes Beach incident.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report