Based on the available data, it looks like pilot error to me.
@msinger?
@AlanTheBeast?
Ah crap. You had to ask, eh?
Regrettably, yes. It's plausible that the aircraft is at fault, but the chain of errors says elsewise IMO.
1. Confined area takeoff (is that area to the south still open - I would have moved to the middle of that, at least). Only 9 sats at takeoff due to masking - pretty poor position.
2. Compass calibration error and calibration. It's not clear to me that this was needed at all. Just move away from the disturbance. Takeoff from reinforced concrete would exacerbate that perhaps?
3. Situational awareness? You detected a left-bank stick or left yaw stick near the end (I don't understand all of the data in the CSV's either esp. the stick position stuff).
Did we ever determine the wind direction and speed?
I don't see a RTH in the recorded data from any source but the RTH position was armed and is the same as the t/o point throughout the flight.
4. Masked RC signal? You raised that. I don't believe it looks so bad and there were no such messages in the log - but it's plausible.
Actually, let's be clear about what pilot error is. Pilot error is a pilot who is trained and able to prepare and control the a/c from start to end and knows how to handle the unexpected when it comes up but somehow fails.
In d2fino's case I suspect he's a "newbie" who attempted something too ambitious before being ready to do so. Pilot error by definition but not by tradition of trained pilots.
I have nothing against "self training" as long as it isn't my surgeon or airline pilot ... but in doing self training one has to recognize their limits and practice in very open areas with as much preparation as possible.
The sort of flight d2fino attempted is simply illegal in Canada for at least 2 reasons, maybe more. One could get an SFOC but it would be a one-shot deal after a lot of bureaucratic hand wringing.
Note that while we smugly gaze on here at the recent spat of lost drones and crashes due to poor checklists and newbie expectations I doubt that we're seeing 1% of all MP owners. Imagine what's going on. I almost expect to find dead Mavics all over to canibalize for parts... maybe there is an upside.
We all have the same license.
And THAT is the problem with new drone pilots.
These drones are getting more and more capable per dropping dollar price and DJI (et al) marketing material is making it look like an extension to ones iPhone.
Sorry - you asked for it and I go into rant mode quite easily!
