Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN)’s Prime Air drone delivery program hit another hurdle after a delivery drone clipped an internet cable in Waco, Texas, last week, prompting a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation.
The incident occurred on November 18 when an MK30 drone, operating autonomously, failed to detect a thin utility wire.
No injuries were reported, and the delivery was completed. Amazon covered the cost of repairs.
The drone involved was part of the MK27-2 fleet.
The event comes on the heels of an October crash in Arizona and underscores the challenges the company faces in scaling its drone ambitions. Prime Air has a long-term goal of completing 500 million deliveries per year, but the program has struggled to move from concept to commercial viability over the past decade.
The Verge recently reported that Amazon is developing the next-generation MK30 drone, which promises quieter operation and longer range. However, certification for new models is heavily influenced by the safety record of existing operations.