Amazon faces probe after delivery drone snaps internet cable

Amazon is under federal scrutiny after one of its delivery drones clipped an internet cable and was forced to land during a delivery operation in central Texas, the company confirmed.

The incident occurred on November 18 at approximately 12:45 p.m. in Waco. According to video footage reviewed and verified by CNBC, an Amazon MK30 drone had just completed a package drop-off and was ascending from a customer’s yard when one of its six propellers became entangled in a nearby internet line, Caliber.Az reports.

The drone severed the cable before its motor shut down, prompting it to descend and land with only minor damage to a propeller.

A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration said the agency has opened an investigation into the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board said it is aware of what happened but has not launched its own probe.

Amazon confirmed the event, stating the drone executed what it described as a “safe contingent landing,” a procedure designed to ensure a controlled touchdown in unexpected circumstances.

“There were no injuries or widespread internet service outages. We’ve paid for the cable line’s repair for the customer and have apologized for the inconvenience this caused them,” an Amazon spokesperson told CNBC, noting that the drone had completed its package delivery.

By Sabina Mammadli