Amazon Drones Dropping Packages in Arizona, but Not Always Safely

I'm going to confess something: I'm a sci-fi nerd. I love the idea of living with future conveniences. There are two pieces of sci-fi tech that I'd love to see become reality: flying cars and the ability to beam anything (or anyone) to another place in the world instantly. "Beam me up, Scotty. Or at least beam me an iced coffee!"

We're not quite there, although I like to think some mad inventor is holding out on us somewhere. C'mon Meelon Husk [just throwing a pretend name out there], make this happen, man.

It's a Bird, It's a Drone, It's a Mid-air Crash?

In a small way, it's beginning to happen in parts of Arizona. Imagine kicking back on your porch, sipping iced tea, waiting for your new thingamabob to arrive. Suddenly, you're watching the Amazon package you ordered this morning float down from the sky.

That’s the dream Amazon’s Prime Air is chasing right now. Since late last year, they've been delivering small packages, under 5 pounds, in less than an hour. Amazon has been using drones in the Phoenix metro area, and it's becoming a game-changer. I find the idea appealing because it's fast, futuristic, and it checks at least two of my sci-fi fantasy boxes.

Cartels use drones, too. Here's how Arizona has responded: Should AZ Law Enforcement Shoot Down Drones for Border Security?

Amazon Drone Delivery: What Went Wrong?

It's all fun and games until things go sideways, though. According to US News, at least two delivery drones met an untimely end during a recent delivery.

Earlier this month, two Amazon MK30 drones collided with a construction crane in Tolleson. One of the drones landed in a parking lot, and the other came down in someone's backyard.

Smoke from damaged lithium-ion batteries even brought out a hazmat crew, CNBC reported. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the crash caused quite a bit of damage and raised questions about the safety of using drones for deliveries.

Here's another company using drones for deliveries: Is Drone Delivery Coming to Arizona?

What Caused The Crash?

The drones didn't detect the crane, according to reports. They may have had sensor or software problems, and Amazon says the drones weren’t faulty. Still, they’re retooling the drones to add more visual inspections in order to catch moving obstacles like cranes.

This isn’t the first time delivery drones have crashed. Similar crashes in Oregon earlier this year led to a temporary pause for deliveries in Arizona and Texas.

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What Does the FAA and NTSB Think?

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the Tolleson crash. While these seem to be isolated incidents, they're not taking any chances. If someone on the ground is injured in a future crash, there could be serious repercussions.

So, Are Drone Deliveries Still Happening?

As of now, Amazon has resumed deliveries. The company says they've made some internal changes to improve the drones' safety protocols. Amazon hopes to use drones to deliver 500 million packages a year by 2030.

We don't have drone delivery in my part of Arizona just yet, but I'm here for it. If they can iron out the kinks, the ADHD procrastinator in me is excited for the change. Drones today, point-to-point beaming technology tomorrow (I hope!).

Make it so, Amazon. Make it so.