Test site’s inaugural drone flight ends with a thud

By Ed Komenda

Published Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 | 3:46 p.m.

Updated Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 | 4:18 p.m.

BOULDER CITY — Magpie has seen better days.

The orange unmanned aircraft was set to fly over the state’s most powerful leaders and a slice of desert today in Boulder City to commemorate the beginning of a new drone testing program.

But just 10 feet after leaving the hands of a Federal Aviation Administration engineer’s hands, Magpie took a nosedive and crashed into the desert floor.

State dignitaries, including Gov. Brian Sandoval, U.S. Sen. Dean Heller and U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, meant for the demonstration to cap a ceremony celebrating the area’s new distinction as the first place where unmanned aircraft can legally fly without any FAA intervention.

The testing agency, Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems, is the first in the nation to receive FAA approval to issue airworthiness certificates on its own. Nevada was one of six states chosen for national test sites while the FAA develops drone regulations.

The ceremony started off smoothly enough, as state leaders congratulated the agency for receiving the certification. Of 40 applications, the Boulder City site was one of just six selected.

“Nevada feels like a thoroughbred at the starting gate,” said Steve Hill, director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “We feel we can run as fast as (anyone).”

Glen Martin, the FAA’s regional administrator for the Western-Pacific Region, said the certification is critical to incorporating drones into the national airspace.

Closing his comments, Martin presented Gov. Brian Sandoval with the framed certificate.

“Wow,” Sandoval said. “Thank you.”

Sandoval eventually took his turn to speak, calling the day a historical one.

“Today is chapter 1 in a book that has not yet been written,” Sandoval said. “It’s sure to be a bestseller.”

Minutes later, onlookers gathered around to watch the group of FAA engineers put on yellow vests and prepare Magpie for flight.

Just after 11 a.m., an FAA engineer lifted Magpie above his head. The buzz of its propeller echoed through the desert.

He let it rip, and, within seconds: KERPLUNK!

Some watchers winced.

A woman commented, disappointed: “It flew beautifully this morning.” The FAA had tested Magpie in front of a small group just hours earlier.

Minutes after the crash, Martin and an FAA engineer came back to Sandoval with bad news.

Because of an electrical problem with the drone’s remote control, the demonstration would be canceled for the day.