Close Call

[GFields]

Recently, I was asked by a regular client to film a construction site. I told him it was very hazy and that I would not be able to fly above 200' AGL due to the fog/haze and the inability to see the site from that height. He said not a problem that they (his client) just wanted a quick look. He wanted images only, but I always shoot a video of what I do as well. My method is simple. As I fly and set up for the image I want, I create a waypoint at each one until the orbit is complete (at least eight images in all cardinal directions). Then I use the waypoint to shoot a video. The video starts where I took the first image and ends where I took the last image (making a complete orbit). Having shot the images in advance, I have found that this is a great way to shoot a smooth, safe video as well. On this one, however, I nearly fly into a tree as the drone makes its orbit. It may have cleared the trees as I didn't get any warnings from the obstacle avoidance system, but when I saw it, I stopped the flight and returned home.

My question to all seasoned pilots: What do you think caused the problem? It looks like the drone descends just before the trees, but I'm not sure why.

Thoughts?

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[Cafguy]

I dont know why but the drone seems to lose altitude into the tree Maybe just the way it looks on Video. GOOD SAVE. I Hate Trees Report them!!

 

[GFields]

I dont know why but the drone seems to lose altitude into the tree Maybe just the way it looks on Video. GOOD SAVE. I Hate Trees Report them!!

Yes, I agree. I descended, but I can't figure out why.

 

[MS Coast]

Was the altitude of each waypoint the same?

 

[MA2 317]

Yes, I agree. I descended, but I can't figure out why.

Have you looked at the flight data?

Good thing you had an eye on it and stopped the mission.

.

 

[GFields]

Was the altitude of each waypoint the same?

Yes, or very close. Not more than a foot or so.

 

[GFields]

Have you looked at the flight data?

Good thing you had an eye on it and stopped the mission.

.

Yes, I would hate to have lost that $4000 plus investment

 

[Cafguy]

Slight reactions happen with your fingers on the controller I have done many a weird thing that defies explanation lol good Piloting I must say.....You didnt lose the Drone to the tree monster.

 

[Rchawks]

It seems from the video thru the fog that the trees in the background are at a higher elevation but due to the fog that’s hard to see. That was my first impression.
Very good save.

 

[GFields]

I think I know what happened after looking at the altitude in the image data vs the flight log on the video. I accidentally lowered the drone while clicking the C1 button to create the waypoint. I feel blessed that I didn't crash it into the tree then.
I have used the N3 with the Air 3s, and you press the FN button on it to create a waypoint. I guess I need more time with the RC Pro 2 controller.

I truly love the controller and its features (especially the dial for changing EV, etc.).

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

 

[sarahb]

Recently, I was asked by a regular client to film a construction site. I told him it was very hazy and that I would not be able to fly above 200' AGL due to the fog/haze and the inability to see the site from that height. He said not a problem that they (his client) just wanted a quick look. He wanted images only, but I always shoot a video of what I do as well. My method is simple. As I fly and set up for the image I want, I create a waypoint at each one until the orbit is complete (at least eight images in all cardinal directions). Then I use the waypoint to shoot a video. The video starts where I took the first image and ends where I took the last image (making a complete orbit). Having shot the images in advance, I have found that this is a great way to shoot a smooth, safe video as well. On this one, however, I nearly fly into a tree as the drone makes its orbit. It may have cleared the trees as I didn't get any warnings from the obstacle avoidance system, but when I saw it, I stopped the flight and returned home.

My question to all seasoned pilots: What do you think caused the problem? It looks like the drone descends just before the trees, but I'm not sure why.

Thoughts?

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I gasped when I watched. I'm glad you didn't get it hung up in that tree. How in the world would you have got it back?

 

[Droning on and on...]

Obstacle Avoidance malfunction due to fog?

It's happened to me...

 

[GFields]

I gasped when I watched. I'm glad you didn't get it hung up in that tree. How in the world would you have got it back?

That's a very good question! I guess (depending on where in the tree it ended up) I would try using another drone to retrieve it.

Maybe that's a service I should entertain adding to my other services, Drone Search and Rescue LOL
It would be interesting to know how others have done it. I have read of professional tree climbers being hired, and I have seen a few YT videos using other drones to retrieve the tree-hanging drone (not easy to do)

 

[GFields]

Obstacle Avoidance malfunction due to fog?

It's happened to me...

Very good possibility! The Mavic 4 Pro has a very sensitive Obstacle Avoidance System so, that was my first thought as well.

 

[GadgetGuy]

I had similar heart stopping experience flying an orbit around fireworks with the telephoto lens from farther away, where I never had a problem before with the wide angle. Nearly ran into a tower that I apparently was now flying behind, that popped up on the screen, which was always safely behind me with the wide angle. Be careful out there!

 

[AP3]

The only thing that comes to mind, at the moment, is you may have taken off before you had significant GPS satellite reception. When this happens, you will most likely hear "home point updated" while you are airborne. This like could have affected the flight altitude ultimately affecting the mission running you into obstacles.

 

[Dbez1]

That's a very good question! I guess (depending on where in the tree it ended up) I would try using another drone to retrieve it.

Maybe that's a service I should entertain adding to my other services, Drone Search and Rescue LOL
It would be interesting to know how others have done it. I have read of professional tree climbers being hired, and I have seen a few YT videos using other drones to retrieve the tree-hanging drone (not easy to do)

Yes but I’ve heard of pilots getting the second drone stuck trying to rescue the first.

I’m glad you didn’t need “Drone S&R”.
Moisture from the fog interfering with the OA sensors would be my guess.

 

[Dale D]

Recently, I was asked by a regular client to film a construction site. I told him it was very hazy and that I would not be able to fly above 200' AGL due to the fog/haze and the inability to see the site from that height. He said not a problem that they (his client) just wanted a quick look. He wanted images only, but I always shoot a video of what I do as well. My method is simple. As I fly and set up for the image I want, I create a waypoint at each one until the orbit is complete (at least eight images in all cardinal directions). Then I use the waypoint to shoot a video. The video starts where I took the first image and ends where I took the last image (making a complete orbit). Having shot the images in advance, I have found that this is a great way to shoot a smooth, safe video as well. On this one, however, I nearly fly into a tree as the drone makes its orbit. It may have cleared the trees as I didn't get any warnings from the obstacle avoidance system, but when I saw it, I stopped the flight and returned home.

My question to all seasoned pilots: What do you think caused the problem? It looks like the drone descends just before the trees, but I'm not sure why.

Thoughts?

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Dear GFields:

I am going to answer this before seeing the other comments so I am not influenced by others who commented already.

This same exact thing happened to me while on a trip to Poland to visit castles. I designed a huge automated circle orbit around the castle, not accounting for the fact that trees behind the church were on a hill, higher than the other trees. When my Mini 4 Pro sensed the trees, they did an evasive move and then flew up. The shot came out fine, and I was able to edit that small stutter out.

If you want to see footage of that I can provide it personnaly on a private conversation.

Dale

 

[GFields]

The only thing that comes to mind, at the moment, is you may have taken off before you had significant GPS satellite reception. When this happens, you will most likely hear "home point updated" while you are airborne. This like could have affected the flight altitude ultimately affecting the mission running you into obstacles.

Not the case here. But you do provide a good point.

 

[GFields]

Dear GFields:

I am going to answer this before seeing the other comments so I am not influenced by others who commented already.

This same exact thing happened to me while on a trip to Poland to visit castles. I designed a huge automated circle orbit around the castle, not accounting for the fact that trees behind the church were on a hill, higher than the other trees. When my Mini 4 Pro sensed the trees, they did an evasive move and then flew up. The shot came out fine, and I was able to edit that small stutter out.

If you want to see footage of that I can provide it personnaly on a private conversation.

Dale

The thing is, I created the waypoint from where I took a still shot first. So, I know I was in a safe spot when I took the photo. See attached (resized for forum use) Notice the sequence.

I think I must have tapped the left stick down a bit while creating the waypoint