NTO: Skydio X10 Unintended Parachute Deployments During Extended Orbiting Flight Patterns - April 24, 2026 (Fix Deployed May 12, 2026)

OSB Number: SOSB-26-V02
Date: 04/24/2026
Date of Last Revision: 05/12/2026

On April 24, 2025, Skydio published a Notice to Operators (NTO) after identifying a software issue affecting Skydio X10 flights. Orbit flight patterns were, in rare cases, correlated to an unintended deployment of armed Parachutes. The original NTO language can be found below. 

On May 12, 2026, Skydio deployed a software update that has been tested and shown to improve deployment logic. This improvement has been made to prevent unintended deployments of armed Parachutes and ensure more predictable behavior from the flight system. 

All Skydio X10 flight systems operating with armed Parachutes should be updated to the system software versions below. Please contact support@skydio.com with any questions or concerns. 
 

Original NTO / Published on April 24, 2026  

Summary 

Skydio has identified a software issue affecting Skydio X10 where orbit flight patterns may cause the Parachute to deploy unintentionally. 

Products affected: Skydio X10 and Skydio X10D

Description of Issue

Skydio has identified instances where, during extended orbit flight patterns, the Parachute’s internal position estimate can accumulate errors. This may cause the Parachute to incorrectly detect an excessive bank angle and deploy unintentionally in-flight when armed. This behavior may occur when using the Orbit skill on the Skydio X10 controller or while manually orbiting a point, and has a higher likelihood of occurrence during longer orbit flight patterns and/or tighter orbit radius.

Mitigation and Resolution

Operator Actions

Until further notice, operators should take the following actions:

• Cease all use of the Orbit Skill or an orbit maneuver while the Parachute attachment is installed and armed. 
• Disable the Parachute attachment for all flight system configurations where use of the Orbit Skill or an orbit maneuver is anticipated.
• In circumstances where the Parachute has been removed or disabled, cease flight operations over people. 

This Notice to Operators (NTO) will be updated with further guidance as Skydio resolves the issue. 

Skydio Actions

Skydio takes flight safety very seriously.  We are rapidly working to develop a software fix  for this behavior with the following actions:

• Develop and validate a software fix that improves the Parachute’s internal motion estimate during orbiting flight patterns
• Distribute this fix in an upcoming software release

All aviation operations involve risk. Operators should continue to follow mission planning and operational safety best practices, including minimizing flight over high-risk areas whenever possible and maintaining appropriate contingency plans.  Refer to the Skydio Safety and Operating Guide.