Two Amazon delivery drones crash into crane in commercial area of Tolleson, AZ

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Suspected Causes and Sensor Limitations

  • Many speculate vision/sensor failure: bright sun, dynamic range limits, lack or mis-use of LiDAR/mmWave, or confusion from specular reflections.
  • Later info clarifies the drones hit a vertical crane cable, not the crane structure, shifting focus to thin-object detection (cables, wires).
  • Several commenters note that cables are notoriously hard to see for both humans and machines, but others counter that modern LiDAR/mmWave systems can detect them reliably and are already used for powerline inspection.

Two Drones, Same Obstacle

  • The fact that two drones “flying back to back” hit the same cable is seen as evidence of a systemic issue: route planning, “see and avoid” logic, or insufficient geofencing after the first crash.
  • Some argue it shows a bug or flaw in the overall approach, not a single hardware anomaly; others say two events still don’t prove a fundamental concept failure.

Safety, Risk to Workers, and Externalities

  • Strong concern about 80 lb drones flying low over construction sites and rooftops; scenarios include knocking roofers off roofs or falling onto bystanders.
  • One person was reportedly treated for smoke inhalation, reinforcing fears of ground risk.
  • Debate over whether the public should bear these risks so companies can test delivery concepts.

Regulation, Accountability, and Investigations

  • Discussion of FAA approval, BVLOS waivers, “see and avoid” responsibilities, and whether NTSB/FAA or local police should lead investigations.
  • Some point to gaps: cranes not always in NOTAMs, low-altitude UAS not well-covered by existing obstacle data.
  • Others argue that aviation norms (never fly under structures, maintain conservative clearances) already exist and should have prevented this.

Design Choices and Alternatives

  • Comparisons with Zipline’s high-altitude, tethered “delivery pod” model, seen as inherently safer and quieter than landing a heavy drone in yards.
  • Mention of mmWave radar, LiDAR, and specialized cable-detection tech that Amazon appears not to have fully leveraged.
  • Some highlight China’s structured “low altitude economy” and drone traffic systems as a contrasting approach.

Do We Even Need Drone Delivery?

  • Split views: some excited for personal drone delivery and “Jetsons” conveniences; others see it as unnecessary, risky “move fast and break things” applied to the sky.
  • Alternatives like parcel lockers, building-level hubs, and just going downstairs are proposed as safer, simpler options.