FOUND: DJI Phantom 3, Big Sur Ca.

[Steve LaBranche]

Found in the Big Sur California area, appears to be a DJI Phantom 3. Pic of model, serial #, FAA #. Is there a way to find owner?

 

[THE CYBORG]

Nice of you to try, amusing there are no identifying stickers on it the only thing I can think of is there anything on the SD card that could help.

 

[MA2 317]

You might send an email to DJI with the serial number, they may have a record of the owner.

There should be FAA registration numbers on it if the owner is from the USA.
Law enforcement may be able to contact the FAA to find the owner.

You might also check the battery compartment for identification.

One last place to look is the SD card itself.

I put my owner's information on the card as a text file just in case the external identification is corrupt. Perhaps the owner did the same?

If anything, play the content from the card and see if you can pick out clues such as a license plate or something that may indicate the owner.

Enjoy the footage and good luck. You may have a new toy. ?

 

[MA2 317]

only thing I can think of is there anything on the SD card that could help.

Ya beat me to it.

 

[Steve LaBranche]

Nice of you to try, amusing there are no identifying stickers on it the only thing I can think of is there anything on the SD card that could help.

A friend forwarded the pic. After looking more closely I see there are no identifying numbers. These are just model, FCC, and compliance standards. I'll have him look for more numbers.

 

[TruGreen]

can maybe post an add on local craigslist, or find some facebook groups to post in as well. id do the above though and remove battery and look for any type of contact info. or removing the SD card and looking for info on that

 

[Steve LaBranche]

UPDATE: I have the found drone in my possession. Looked through the SD card and didn't find anything to identify owner. Looking through pics and vids I know what owner looks like and he drives a white BMW with no front plate, so assuming he's out of state. The exact location was Big Sur California, Hiway 101 under Willow Creek bridge. Not too bad of condition. Took pic of serial number of drone and gimbal assy. Anyway to find owner?

 

[MA2 317]

UPDATE: I have the found drone in my possession. Looked through the SD card and didn't find anything to identify owner. Looking through pics and vids I know what owner looks like and he drives a white BMW with no front plate, so assuming he's out of state. The exact location was Big Sur California, Hiway 101 under Willow Creek bridge. Not too bad of condition. Took pic of serial number of drone and gimbal assy. Anyway to find owner?View attachment 117607

On a whim, I went to the Phantom Pilots site and found this post.

HOW TO RETURN A FOUND DJI DRONE TO ITS OWNER

Many people have asked how to return a drone that they find to its owner. Below is how to do it! Wayne （DJI Support） 2020年9月26日 GMT+87:48 Hi Bob, Thank you for contacting DJI Technical Support. We appreciate your time and effort in letting us know your concern. We would like to apologize for...

phantompilots.com

It's worth a shot.

 

[Corsair415]

UPDATE: I have the found drone in my possession. Looked through the SD card and didn't find anything to identify owner. Looking through pics and vids I know what owner looks like and he drives a white BMW with no front plate, so assuming he's out of state. The exact location was Big Sur California, Hiway 101 under Willow Creek bridge. Not too bad of condition. Took pic of serial number of drone and gimbal assy. Anyway to find owner?View attachment 117607

Have you tried posting on one of the Drone groups on facebook?

 

[Steve LaBranche]

On a whim, I went to the Phantom Pilots site and found this post.

HOW TO RETURN A FOUND DJI DRONE TO ITS OWNER

Many people have asked how to return a drone that they find to its owner. Below is how to do it! Wayne （DJI Support） 2020年9月26日 GMT+87:48 Hi Bob, Thank you for contacting DJI Technical Support. We appreciate your time and effort in letting us know your concern. We would like to apologize for...

phantompilots.com

It's worth a shot.

The link at bottom no longer exists.

 

[MA2 317]

The link at bottom no longer exists.

Maybe this?

Email and on line support information at the bottom.

Support - DJI

Welcome to DJI Support. From product support to repair services, we are here for you.

www.dji.com

 

[RoarRoar]

The owner could be from literally anywhere. Big Sur is a bucket list destination. Those bridges along the PCH see lots of drone traffic. I’m impressed you came across a lost drone in such a rugged area.

 

[Steve LaBranche]

The owner could be from literally anywhere. Big Sur is a bucket list destination. Those bridges along the PCH see lots of drone traffic. I’m impressed you came across a lost drone in such a rugged area.

The person that found and retrieved it was a very experienced mountain climber with 12 ft retractable pole with a hook. Once spotted, it took a second person on the bridge directing him to location. The rescue was quite a story in itself.

 

[Steve LaBranche]

Update: I've double checked with DJI customer support that the serial number i turned in did identify the owner of lost Phantom 3 in my possession and that owner has been emailed by DJI twice with my contact information. Three months have gone by with no responce. I have no use for it being an M2P owner.

It seems salvageable, missing one prop, one broken, all motors and gimbal move freely.

What should I do with it?

Steve LaBranche

 

[Deleted member 137955]

you may post this also on dji forum, i dont know where you should ask them
and if the gps locaton was enabled on the pics on the sd card you may look at the pics that looks like his home and you will find where he live