Unfortunately DJI hold all the cards as to information on the circumstances as to what causes a failure. All I can say is my friends
Mavic 2 was being flown between 100ft and 33ft over a lake in Florida filming an air boat. The
M2P was launched from the airboat and prior to launch the home point was recorded and the height indicated was 0ft. At 12m 7secs into the flight the
M2P when flying at 33ft tumbled into the lake. Just prior to that it reported an upward obstacle and seemingly took avoiding action. Eye witness reports say there was nothing above the aircraft at that time. During the flight there were two IMU messages saying it was switching IMU’s. Just prior to the crash the pilot applied left rudder and right roll (Mode 2, left stick left, right stick right). DJI Customer Support attributed the crash and subsequent loss to the inputs applied by the pilot, even though these inputs were applied earlier in the flight with no issues.
The firmware was current as of the 4th May 2019.
The fact that there have been other instances of loss of control of M2’s flying at similar heights i.e. 33ft over water strongly suggests there is an issue but such is the complexity of the products getting to the exact cause is virtually impossible for anyone other than DJI, which is something they know only too well. Whether it is a hardware issue, an issue with a particular version of firmware, an environment issue e.g. water, sun etc. we will never know and DJI are never going to admit to it. The lessons learned are:
1. Never buy direct from DJI. Consumer law certainly in the UK says the vendor is responsible so your contract is with them. DJI are too big and you will get nowhere with them in the event of an issue.
2. Make sure you have insurance. DJI Care Refresh is not insurance and is worthless in the event of loss.
