UA.I.A.K4: Accident reporting.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task A: General References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 89 and 107, subpart A; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Reporting Requirements Under 14 CFR §107.9

Accident reporting under §107.9 is necessary when a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. operation results in injury or damage meeting specific criteria. The key property-damage threshold is $500: if repair costs or the fair market value of the damaged property are below $500, reporting is not required. For instance, $200 in damage to property valued at $600 is not reportable due to the repair cost being under $500. These thresholds apply to property other than the small unmanned aircraft itself. Reports must be submitted within 10 calendar days of the incident^[1].

Practical Takeaway: If no serious injury occurs and third-party property damage is under $500 to repair (with the property's fair market value not below $500), a §107.9 report is unnecessary. When uncertain about injuries or damage, document thoroughly and be ready to report within the 10-day window^[1].

Submission of Accident Reports

Deadline: Reports must be submitted within 10 calendar days of the incident^[1].

Submission Options:

• Electronically via the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. UASUnmanned Aircraft SystemCloseAn unmanned aircraft plus its control station, communication links, and supporting components. website (https://www.faa.gov/uas/)^[1].
• By telephone to the appropriate FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. Regional Operations Center (ROCRate of ClimbCloseHow quickly an aircraft climbs, usually expressed in feet per minute.), with a list of ROCRate of ClimbCloseHow quickly an aircraft climbs, usually expressed in feet per minute. telephone numbers available by region^[1].
• Reports can also be made to the responsible Flight Standards office (FSDOFlight Standards District OfficeCloseLocal FAA Flight Standards office that handles many safety and compliance matters.)^[1].

Information Required in the Report:

1. Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.’s name and contact information
2. Remote PICRemote Pilot in CommandCloseThe certificated remote pilot responsible for the Part 107 operation.’s FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. airman certificate number
3. Aircraft registration number
4. Location
5. Date
6. Local time
7. Whether any serious injury or fatality occurred
8. Property damaged and extent of damage
9. Description of what happened^[1]

Exam Tip: Memorize the 10-day deadline, the $500 property-damage threshold, and the core report content list. Expect scenario questions testing whether a report is required when repair costs are below $500.

NTSB Reporting and Other Safety Programs

Certain events may also require National Transportation Safety Board (NTSBNational Transportation Safety BoardCloseThe U.S. agency that investigates transportation accidents and certain serious incidents.) notification/reporting in addition to the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. ROCRate of ClimbCloseHow quickly an aircraft climbs, usually expressed in feet per minute. report. Operators should refer to the NTSBNational Transportation Safety BoardCloseThe U.S. agency that investigates transportation accidents and certain serious incidents.’s criteria for these requirements. Some small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. events can trigger both FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes. and NTSBNational Transportation Safety BoardCloseThe U.S. agency that investigates transportation accidents and certain serious incidents. reporting streams^[2]. The governing NTSBNational Transportation Safety BoardCloseThe U.S. agency that investigates transportation accidents and certain serious incidents. regulation is Title 49 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. Part 830, which covers notification and reporting of aircraft accidents or incidents^[3].

Voluntary Safety Reporting (NASA ASRS): The Aviation Safety Reporting Program encourages anyone in the airspace system to submit reports of actual or potential safety issues. Reports should include date, time, location, persons and aircraft involved, nature of the event, and pertinent details. If delivered or postmarked within 10 days, the program provides for the waiver of certain disciplinary actions for reported incidents. Reports are submitted on NASANational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationCloseFederal agency that administers the Aviation Safety Reporting System referenced in FAA safety reporting material. ARC Form 277, available free and postage-paid at FSDOsFlight Standards District OfficeCloseLocal FAA Flight Standards office that handles many safety and compliance matters. and Flight Service facilities. This program enhances safety but does not replace mandatory §107.9 accident reporting^[6].

Using AC 107-2A Properly

Advisory Circulars provide nonregulatory guidance unless incorporated by reference; they explain how to comply with regulations. Use ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2A to understand and apply §107.9’s reporting thresholds, timelines, and procedures, but remember the regulation itself controls on test day^[5].