• The FAA is investigating Amazon following a drone incident in Waco, Texas.
• An MK30 drone clipped an internet cable during a delivery, prompting the probe.
• Amazon confirmed the incident and conducted a "Safe Contingent Landing" without injuries.
• The company aims to expand its drone delivery operations significantly by 2030.
• This incident follows a previous investigation into another drone mishap involving Amazon.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting an investigation into Amazon after one of its MK30 delivery drones struck an internet cable in Waco, Texas, at approximately 12:45 p.m. local time on November 18. The FAA stated that the drone's propeller became entangled in a utility line while ascending from a customer's yard after a successful delivery. This incident was first reported by CNBC, which included video footage showing the drone's motors shutting down and performing what Amazon refers to as a "Safe Contingent Landing" as designed, thus avoiding injuries or significant disruptions to internet service, according to Reuters, The Hill, and India Times.

An Amazon spokesperson explained that the drone clipped the cable but managed to handle the situation effectively, performing a "Safe Contingent Landing." They confirmed that the company has accepted responsibility and has compensated for the cable line's repair. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Amazon faces as it expands its drone delivery program, which aims to complete 500 million deliveries annually by 2030, according to Reuters, The Hill, and India Times.

This investigation comes on the heels of another incident where two of Amazon's MK30 drones collided with a crane in Arizona, prompting scrutiny from the FAA. Although the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was aware of the cable incident, it has opted not to open a formal investigation. Amazon's drone delivery program is particularly significant as it competes with retail giants like Walmart, which has also entered the drone delivery market, according to Reuters, The Hill, and India Times.