Amazon Prime Air Drone Under Federal Investigation After Cable-Severing Incident in Texas

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is facing increased scrutiny after one of its Prime Air delivery drones accidentally sliced through an internet cable in Waco, Texas, prompting a federal investigation. The incident, first reported by CNBC, occurred on November 18 when Amazon’s latest MK30 drone was ascending from a routine delivery. According to video footage reviewed by CNBC, the drone became entangled in a nearby line, severed the cable, then powered down and performed what Amazon later described as a “safe contingent landing.”

Amazon confirmed that no injuries occurred, and the damaged cable did not cause a widespread service outage. The company said it paid for the repair costs and apologized to the affected customer. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched a formal probe into the event, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) acknowledged awareness of the situation but has not initiated its own investigation.

This incident adds to the challenges Amazon is facing as it works to scale its drone delivery program, which aims to reduce delivery times and expand autonomous logistics capabilities. The Waco mishap follows another federal investigation opened just last month after two Prime Air drones crashed in Arizona, raising broader concerns about the safety and reliability of aerial delivery technology.

As Amazon continues to push for regulatory approvals and broader deployment of Prime Air, these investigations could influence how quickly the company expands drone operations across the U.S. Analysts note that while Amazon’s MK30 drone is designed to enhance efficiency with quieter operation and improved range, repeated incidents may slow adoption and draw further regulatory oversight.

Despite setbacks, Amazon maintains its commitment to drone innovation and emphasizes that safety remains its top priority. The company continues to cooperate with federal authorities as the FAA evaluates the circumstances surrounding the cable-severing event and determines whether additional safety measures will be required for future flights.