Skydio X10 Drone Crash in NYC: Battery Connector Failure Sparks Safety Concerns

On May 12, 2025, a Skydio X10 drone operated by the New York (en anglais) Police Department (NYPD) crashed and caught fire on the roof of the 71st Police Precinct in Brooklyn, raising questions about drone safety and reliability. According to a detailed LinkedIn post by Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, the incident was traced to a battery connector issue, marking the first known customer-facing instance of this failure after hundreds of thousands of flights.

Drone Incident Details: A Fiery Crash in Brooklyn

The NYPD’s Drone as First Responder (DFR) program was in action when the Skydio X10 drone landed on the roof of the 71st Precinct, one of its designated locations alongside the 67th, 75th, 48th, and the Central Park Precinct.

As reported by firefighter and UAS pilot Michael Wall on LinkedIn, the drone caught fire before Pompiers arrived, requiring units like Battalion 38 to extinguish the blaze. “Battalion 38 to Brooklyn, Battalion 38. 1044, we’re going to drop down to an 18, 249 and 113 to operate. PD had a drone land on the roof that went on fire,” Wall shared, noting that the fire was quickly controlled with a can extinguisher.

Skydio’s investigation, detailed by Bry, confirmed that “battery connector wear” caused the crash. The fire erupted post-ejection, with no significant property damage beyond the drone itself. “We do not believe the battery ejection and subsequent fire was related to the battery connector issue that led to the crash,” Bry stated, emphasizing that lithium polymer battery cells, commonly used in drones like the X10, can ignite if punctured.

Technical Analysis: Why Did the Battery Fail?

The Skydio X10, which recently surpassed 500,000 flights, relies on lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) batteries. Jonathan Becker, a technical trainer at Attollo LLC, explained on LinkedIn that such batteries can combust if “punctured, overcharged, short-circuited, physically damaged, or exposed to high heat.” Skydio’s internal testing, which includes drop tests from 60 feet, has not previously resulted in fires, suggesting this incident may stem from operational or environmental factors not yet replicated in lab conditions.

Becker also noted Skydio’s safety measures, including “smart battery management systems that monitor temperature, voltage, and charge cycles.” However, this Drone Incident underscores the need for rigorous pre-flight checks. Skydio’s own Battery Care documentation advises users to store batteries properly and inspect for damage to mitigate risks.

Industry Implications: Safety and Transparency in Focus

This crash arrives at a critical juncture for the Industrie des drones, where public safety applications like DFR programs are expanding. Michael Wall highlighted broader concerns, quoting Joshua Pruitt on the dangers of “fake it till you make it” tech mindsets: “The phrase ‘fake it till you make it’ might work for college students and tech bros, but in public safety—where lives are at stake—that mindset is dangerous.”

The drone incident has prompted Skydio to enhance its transparency, with Bry announcing a Notice to Operators (NTO) and the addition of telemetry signatures to alert users of potential battery connector wear.

Operationally, the crash emphasizes the need for stricter maintenance protocols. Economically, it may push drone manufacturers to invest in more robust battery systems, potentially increasing costs. Regulatory bodies could also tighten standards for public safety drones, especially as cities like New York expand their use.

Moving Forward: Skydio’s Response

Skydio is actively addressing the issue, with Bry confirming that customer support will monitor analytics for the entire X10 fleet. “Within the last 24 hours, we have identified a telemetry signature for vehicles showing early warning signs of this failure mode,” he stated. Alerts will now notify operators of potential issues, ensuring proactive maintenance. As the drone industry evolves, this incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and reliability in high-stakes applications.

Photos courtesy of NYPD / Skydio