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August 20, 2025 · Vu Holdings Llc/Dba Vanilla Un VA 001 · N246VU

Ninilchik, AK

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2025
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ninilchik, AK
Aircraft
Vu Holdings Llc/Dba Vanilla Un VA 001 (2021)
Tail Number
N246VU
Operator
Vu Holdings
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC25LA091

On August 20, 2025, at about 0632 Alaska daylight time, a Platform Aerospace VA 001 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), N246VU, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident on a beachside cliff near Ninilchik, Alaska. The aircraft was unmanned. The aircraft was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Public Use Armed Forces Aircraft on a Certificate of Authorization (COA) Waiver. According to the operator, the airplane was returning to Kenai Municipal Airport in Kenai Alaska after a 72-hour continuous flight to Shemya Island. While flying over open water at an altitude of 5500 ft msl, less than an hour from its expected return, the UAS experienced a total loss of engine power and began an uncommanded descent. While troubleshooting, the flight crew was able to briefly restore partial power after opening the wing fuel drain solenoid. However, this was not enough to maintain altitude. After further attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, the flight crew shutdown the engine, to arrest the descent rate, and began a power-off glide towards shore for an off-airport emergency landing. During the emergency landing, the UAS impacted a beachside cliff which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wreckage has been moved to a secure location, and a detailed NTSB examination is pending.

Full Narrative

On August 20, 2025, at about 0632 Alaska daylight time, a Platform Aerospace VA 001 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), N246VU, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident on a beachside cliff near Ninilchik, Alaska. The aircraft was unmanned. The aircraft was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Public Use Armed Forces Aircraft on a Certificate of Authorization (COA) Waiver. According to the operator, the airplane was returning to Kenai Municipal Airport in Kenai Alaska after a 72-hour continuous flight to Shemya Island. While flying over open water at an altitude of 5500 ft msl, less than an hour from its expected return, the UAS experienced a total loss of engine power and began an uncommanded descent. While troubleshooting, the flight crew was able to briefly restore partial power after opening the wing fuel drain solenoid. However, this was not enough to maintain altitude. After further attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful, the flight crew shutdown the engine, to arrest the descent rate, and began a power-off glide towards shore for an off-airport emergency landing. During the emergency landing, the UAS impacted a beachside cliff which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The wreckage has been moved to a secure location, and a detailed NTSB examination is pending.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:32 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVu Holdings Llc/Dba Vanilla Un VA 001
Tail NumberN246VU
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVu Holdings
Engines1
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 8500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 F / 54 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time06:16
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data