What constitutes a reportable accident according to FAA regulations?

A reportable accident, according to FAA regulations, is defined as any incident that results in serious injury or property damage exceeding a specified monetary threshold, which is set at $500. This definition is critical as it establishes a clear guideline for operators in determining when an accident must be reported to the FAA. Serious injury typically refers to injuries that require more than basic first aid and could involve hospitalization, while the property damage threshold relates to costs associated with repair or replacement of the involved aircraft or third-party property.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not meet the FAA's criteria for reporting. Minor incidents without injury do not require notification, and simply experiencing a total loss of the drone does not automatically qualify as reportable unless it is tied to serious injury or significant damage. Additionally, the location of the accident—whether it occurs in controlled or uncontrolled airspace—does not factor into the reportability under these guidelines. Thus, understanding the criteria for reportable accidents is essential for UAS operators to ensure compliance with safety regulations.