Amazon has suspended its Prime Air drone delivery service in Arizona’s West Valley after two MK30 drones collided with a construction crane in Tolleson on Wednesday morning. The back-to-back crashes occurred near an Amazon distribution center, marking the second operational pause for the fledgling delivery program in less than a year. No serious injuries were reported, though one individual required treatment for smoke inhalation from the wreckage.
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Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chain of Events
Gabriel Dahlberg, a diesel mechanic who witnessed the first impact, described the moment one drone struck the crane’s cable while he was parking a truck nearby. “The drone clipped the cable of the crane that was being used to lift equipment onto a building,” Dahlberg told KPNX’s 12 News. Tolleson Police Sergeant Erik Mendez confirmed that both drones crashed into the same crane within moments of each other, landing approximately 100 to 200 feet apart in separate parking lots. The incident occurred around 10 AM local time just two miles from Amazon’s local distribution hub, where the drones typically launch and land. Emergency responders from local fire and police departments secured the area, though the Federal Aviation Administration has taken lead on the investigation.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Amazon’s Response
The Federal Aviation Administration announced it will investigate the dual crashes in coordination with Amazon, continuing its close oversight of commercial drone operations. “We’re aware of an incident involving two Prime Air drones in Tolleson, Arizona. We’re currently working with the relevant authorities to investigate,” Amazon spokesperson Terrence Clark stated in an email to The Verge. This incident represents another regulatory hurdle for Amazon’s drone ambitions, coming just months after the company completed FAA-required software updates following a January crash at an Oregon testing facility. The FAA’s strict certification process for commercial drone delivery requires extensive safety demonstrations, and repeated incidents could prompt additional operational restrictions.
Pattern of Operational Challenges
This marks the second service suspension for Amazon’s Tolleson drone operations since their November 2024 launch. The previous grounding occurred in January 2025 when Amazon paused deliveries to complete software updates and FAA validations following a separate crash at their Pendleton, Oregon testing facility. The MK30 drones, capable of carrying payloads up to five pounds, represent Amazon’s latest generation of delivery aircraft featuring improved weather resistance and quieter operation. Industry analysts note that while drone delivery promises rapid fulfillment, operating in complex urban environments presents significant technological challenges. Amazon’s repeated pauses suggest the company is still refining its collision avoidance systems for real-world conditions.
Broader Implications for Drone Delivery Industry
The Tolleson incident occurs as the commercial drone delivery sector faces increasing scrutiny over safety and reliability. Companies including Wing (owned by Alphabet) and Zipline have expanded their operations globally, but high-profile incidents could slow regulatory approval and public acceptance. Research from the RAND Corporation indicates that public perception of drone safety significantly influences adoption rates. Amazon’s continued investment in drone technology reflects its commitment to same-day delivery capabilities, but these repeated operational interruptions highlight the technical challenges of scaling autonomous aerial delivery systems. The company has not announced a timeline for resuming Arizona operations, leaving local customers without the drone delivery option indefinitely.
