Summary
The ATSB is investigating the loss of 89 RPAS in water and ground collisions during a drone swarm aerial display at Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, on 25 May 2026.
The evidence collection phase will involve interviewing involved parties, reviewing recorded video and telemetry data, and the collection of other relevant information.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-080 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 25/05/2026 |
| Occurrence time and timezone | 19:30 Australian Eastern Standard Time |
| Location | Sydney Harbour |
| State | New South Wales |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q4 2026 |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Evidence collection |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Collision with terrain, Datalink - RPAS |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | SKYMAGIC |
|---|---|
| Model | X-258 |
| Aircraft operator | Skymagic Live Pte Ltd |
| Sector | Remotely piloted aircraft |
| Operation type | Part 101 Unmanned aircraft and rockets |
| Activity | General aviation / Recreational-Aerial work-Other aerial work |
| Departure point | Cockle Bay, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Destination | Cockle Bay, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Injuries | None |