Amazon FAA Probe After Drone Clips Internet Cable
Amazon FAA probe opened after a Prime Air drone severed an internet cable in Waco, raising regulatory scrutiny and positioning risk for Prime Air.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- FAA opened an investigation after an Amazon Prime Air drone severed an internet cable in Waco.
- The incident involved an MK30 drone equipped with sense-and-avoid technology; no injuries were reported.
- The probe raises regulatory risk for Prime Air as Amazon expands drone deliveries to new markets.
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Amazon (AMZN) faces a Federal Aviation Administration probe after a delivery drone clipped and severed an internet cable in Waco, Texas, on November 18, 2025, during an autonomous flight. The incident has prompted a safety review as the company expands its drone-delivery footprint.
Incident and FAA Investigation
On November 18 at 12:45 p.m. ET, an Amazon MK30 drone operating autonomously severed an internet cable in Waco. The MK30 drone is equipped with “sense and avoid” technology designed to detect and evade obstacles, including wires. The Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation focused on safety and regulatory compliance, particularly obstacle detection. The inquiry remains open with no findings or penalties announced.
No injuries or property damage beyond the cable disruption were reported, though local internet service was interrupted. Amazon has not issued an official statement about the incident.
Prime Air Technology and Expansion
The incident occurred as Amazon’s Prime Air drone program expands into new locations, including Waco, San Antonio, and Pontiac, Michigan. The FAA’s review centers on core elements of Prime Air’s autonomous operations—how drones detect and respond to obstacles in live environments. This federal scrutiny coincides with the program’s geographic expansion, highlighting the regulatory risks that operational incidents can pose to broader deployments.
No changes to Prime Air’s approvals or operations have been announced in response to the incident.
