NTSB: Failed Data Transfer, Position Misalignment Led to Orlando Drone Show Accident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary findings on the December 21, 2024, drone show accident at Lake Eola in Orlando, revealing that multiple technical failures and positioning errors contributed to the incident that injured a seven-year-old boy and led to nationwide drone show cancellations

According to the NTSB report released on January 16, 2025, several of Sky Elements’ 500 drones failed to receive critical flight data just minutes before the scheduled performance. The investigation revealed that the launch parameter file, containing essential flight path information, had not been properly transmitted to the aircraft.

The technical investigation uncovered a significant 7-degree misalignment in the show’s positioning, which caused the drones to operate dangerously close to spectators rather than maintaining their intended position over Lake Eola’s waters. This deviation from the planned safety zone proved critical when multiple drones experienced failures.

The sequence of events unfolded rapidly during the launch phase. Without proper data transmission and uniform launch parameters, the drones failed to achieve synchronized flight patterns, leading to multiple mid-air collisions. Several drones subsequently fell onto ground areas occupied by spectators rather than the intended water landing zone.

The most serious incident involved a seven-year-old boy who required emergency surgery after being struck in the chest by one of the falling drones. A community fundraising effort has since raised over $36,000 to support his medical expenses.

This incident has triggered broader implications for the drone show industry. The Federal Aviation Administration suspended Sky Elements’ Teil 107 Waiver, which had previously allowed the company to conduct nighttime drone shows near crowds. The regulatory action led to the cancellation of at least five major drone shows across the Vereinigte Staaten.

The NTSB’s investigation continues as the agency works to develop comprehensive recommendations to prevent similar incidents. The preliminary findings have already highlighted critical gaps in pre-flight procedures and positioning verification protocols.

The incident has accelerated efforts within the drone show industry to establish more rigorous safety standards. The recently formed Drone Show Association is expected to play a key role in developing new industry-wide safety protocols and operational guidelines.

The NTSB’s ongoing investigation will likely focus on improving pre-flight data verification systems, establishing more robust positioning checks, and developing fail-safe protocols for drone shows operating near public spaces. These findings may lead to significant changes in how drone shows are planned, approved, and executed in the future.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​