Investigation of an aviation incident in Harstad
The Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority has opened a safety investigation into the incident involving a Skyranger R70 drone operated by the Coast Guard. The incident occurred on 1 March 2026 when the drone pilot lost control of the drone while flying from KV Heimdal.
While the KV Heimdal was docked in Harstad, drone pilots flew the drone eight times without any incidents. On the next flight, when the drone flew over the dock area, the drone pilot noticed that the drone accelerated and that it no longer responded to commands. The drone continued to fly along a building, crashed into it and fell down.
The investigation will seek to identify why control was lost and whether the drone was capable of fullilling its intended role.
Latest update: 28.05.2026
Facts
| Location | Harstad, Norway |
| Occurrence date | 01.03.2026 |
| Aircraft | Drone |
| Operator | The Norwegian Coast Guard |
| Registration | LN-1898-AI |
| County | Troms |
| Type of occurrence | Incident |
| Type of operation | Commercial, other |
| Aircraft category | RPAS |