IT Forensics · Drones

Forensic analysis of ‘Return-to-Home’ data – Forensic investigation of the automatic return function

The ‘Return-to-Home’ function on many drones automatically returns the drone to a predefined starting position in the event of a loss of signal, a critically low battery level or manual activation, and usually generates its own logged event data in the process.

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Triggering this function can provide forensically valuable evidence that a specific event occurred during the flight, such as a loss of connection or a critical battery warning.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

The examination is, as a matter of principle, carried out exclusively on a forensic copy, a forensic image or a data source captured in a technically equivalent manner that preserves the integrity of the evidence. The original evidence remains unchanged and is stored in a manner that preserves its integrity.

Our services

We analyse available ‘Return-to-Home’ event data and incorporate the time and reason for each trigger into the chronological reconstruction of a flight.

Typical areas of application

•Evidence of a loss of connection during the flight
•Investigation into critical battery conditions as the cause of incidents
•Reconstruction of the time of an automatic return
•Supplementary investigations into crashes and loss of control
•Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
•Assessment of drone incidents under insurance law

How a ‘Return-to-Home’ analysis works

Once the data has been backed up, existing event data relating to the return-to-home function is extracted, and the time of activation and the documented reason for activation – where recorded – are identified. This information is then correlated with other flight data.

Why is the ‘return-to-home’ analysis relevant in a forensic context?

The activation of this function may be an important indication that a technical or environmental problem has arisen during the flight, which helps to narrow down the scope of the subsequent root cause analysis.

If there is no documented reason for the incident, this is communicated transparently, rather than assuming a cause that cannot be substantiated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every activation of the Return-to-Home function logged?+
This depends on the specific model and firmware version, and is checked on a case-by-case basis.
Can the Return-to-Home function be activated manually?+
Yes, many systems allow the operator to trigger them manually, which can also be logged.
What if there is no ‘Return-to-Home’ data available?+
In this case, the reconstruction is carried out on the basis of other available flight data, such as GPS telemetry and status reports.

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LanCologne – IT Forensics Drones Cologne

Do you require a professional forensic investigation into the „forensic analysis of return-to-home data"? LanCologne can assist you with the court-admissible preservation of digital evidence and the transparent analysis of relevant drone artefacts.

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