Drone events – occurences, incidents and accidents

On this page, you can read more about what to do if you experience an accident or a situation that could have impacted aviation safety in connection with your drone flight.

What to do in case of a drone incident

Like any other form of transportation, accidents can happen when flying your drone. Even though the risk can be minimized through good preparation and training, it can never be completely eliminated.

In the event of a drone incident, you must:

  1. Stop the flight immediately.
  2. Assess the situation and evaluate any damage to people, the drone, or property.
  3. Ensure the safety of everyone involved.
  4. Document the accident with photos or video.
  5. Report the incident to your insurance provider – read more about insurance below.
  6. Submit an incident report – read more about reporting requirements below.

Reporting is important

If you experience an event — such as an occurrence, a serious incident, or an accident with your drone—it is important that you report it. Reports are handled according to the principles of just culture. This means that the information, in principle, will not be used to punish those who may have violated aviation regulations in connection with an event.

The purpose of reporting events is to gather the necessary knowledge to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Authorities will use the information to improve aviation safety and, in principle, should not use the information in criminal cases, unless the incident or accident is due to a deliberate violation of aviation regulations or gross negligence.

In Denmark occurrences must be reported via ECCAIRS 2. Serious incidents, and accidents must be reported to the independent institution, the Accident Investigation Board for Civil Aviation and Railways (HCLJ), as described on the Accident Investigation Board's website. The board processes and publishes the results of their investigations in the form of reports and statements.

How to report

Below you can see how to report the three different types of events.

Occurrences

An occurrences is an event that:

  • Is not an accident, but occurs in connection with the operation of an aircraft and affects or could affect the safety of the operation.

Example: Temporary loss of connection to the drone, or if the drone comes very close to a manned aircraft.

It is voluntary whether you report these incidents—but it should be done as quickly as possible and within a reasonable timeframe.

How to report incidents to the Civil Aviation and Railway Authority

You can submit an incident report via the European Co-ordination Center for Accident and Incident Reporting Systems (ECCAIRS 2).

Report incident

  • Select "Report an occurrence without registration".
  • Select "Denmark CAA", which covers the Danish Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Complete the report;
  • Contact details in step 4 of the report are mandatory.
  • You will receive a receipt by email, along with access to the submitted report.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact the Civil Aviation and Railway Authority.

Serious incidents

A serious incident involves one or both of the following:

  • Serious injury to a person
  • Circumstances indicating a high likelihood of an accident

Example: A drone losing control and coming very close to a crowd or a manned aircraft.

It is mandatory to report serious incidents to the Accident Investigation Board. 

How to report serious incidents

Phone reporting can be made by contacting the duty investigator at the Accident Investigation Board at: +45 33 14 70 80 (24/7 service)

Written reporting can be made through the Accident Investigation Board's electronic English report forms via European Co-ordination Center for Accident and Incident Reporting Systems (ECCAIRS 2).

Go to reporting

  • Select "Report an occurrence without registration".
  • Select "Denmark SIA", which covers the Accident Investigation Board.
  • Choose and complete the page for the relevant report:
    • UAS - Open Category – to be used if the drone was flown in the open category
    • UAS - Specific or Certified Category – to be used if the drone was flown in the specific or certified category
  • Contact details in step 4 of the report are mandatory.
  • You will receive a receipt by email, along with access to the submitted report.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the duty investigator or visit the Accident Investigation Board’s website for more information.

 

 

Accident

An accident is an event where one or both of the following occurs:

  • A person is fatally or seriously injured.
  • The drone is damaged or suffers structural failure, reducing its performance or flight characteristics.

Example: A drone crashing into a crowd or hitting a building.

It is mandatory to report accidents to the Accident Investigation Board. 

How to report accidents

Phone reporting can be made by contacting the duty investigator at the Accident Investigation Board at: +45 33 14 70 80 (24/7 service)

Written reporting can be made through the Accident Investigation Board's electronic English report forms via European Co-ordination Center for Accident and Incident Reporting Systems (ECCAIRS 2).

Go to reporting

  • Select "Report an occurrence without registration".
  • Select "Denmark SIA", which covers the Accident Investigation Board.
  • Choose and complete the page for the relevant report:
    • UAS - Open Category – to be used if the drone was flown in the open category
    • UAS - Specific or Certified Category – to be used if the drone was flown in the specific or certified category
  • Contact details in step 4 of the report are mandatory.
  • You will receive a receipt by email, along with access to the submitted report.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the duty investigator or visit the Accident Investigation Board’s website for more information.

 

 

Read More

You can read more about reporting incidents and accidents on the Civil Aviation and Railway Authority’s website.

 

Senest opdateret 09-04-2025