This is a good example how a combination of less critical events and failures can lead into serious troubles.
I am frequently flying in Mountain Regions, which can be challengng anyway. Therefore, Hand-Launching and Landing is sometimes the only way to get around safely.
Yesterday we climbed up to a small plateau with the wooden slope in the back and a big wall down approx. 400 m in front of us.
Configuration as used several times before:
AC: MPP, RC, Control-App: Litchi, DJI Goggles V1 for FPV (viewing only, no control). Obstacle avoidance off.
MPP was launched and hovering for further checks prior to the planned flight. Suddenly, things went nuts.
At 35s into flight with MPP still at 5m height and distance, Litchi reported "Loss of signal". Looking at the RC, "Signal lost" as well (glad to have the RC display). While checking the cause, the MPP started decending directly towards the thin branches of a tree below. It shredded the surrounding leafes, got into heavy tumbling but impressingly managed to stabilize itself. The decent continued towards a small rocky ledge as the last barrier (less than 1 m) between the Drone and the steep wall down into the ridge.
Apparently, after loosing the RC signal, the MPP has initiated RTH. BUT, due to the short distance to the HP, Autoland was applied - in accordance with the DJI Specs. Btw. DJI also recommends to launch only from appropriate areas...
Interestingly, after it went down, I checked the goggles and still got a live feed from the drone. Seems, it was the RC which failed to transmit. It has not happended before and with now 4 test flights later, no further problems have occured.
My learning: When launching a (DJI) drone in difficult terrain and hovering in closer proximity, be prepared for its option to Autoland where ever it actually is, rather than go back to the HP. So, either stay above the HP or move it to a save distance to ensure RTH will properly work.
And, consider to use Obstacle Avoidance and Landing Protection. Not sure if it has helped here - or might have finally deviated the Drone downhill.
See short clip here.
Never too late to improve flying skills...
I am frequently flying in Mountain Regions, which can be challengng anyway. Therefore, Hand-Launching and Landing is sometimes the only way to get around safely.
Yesterday we climbed up to a small plateau with the wooden slope in the back and a big wall down approx. 400 m in front of us.
Configuration as used several times before:
AC: MPP, RC, Control-App: Litchi, DJI Goggles V1 for FPV (viewing only, no control). Obstacle avoidance off.
MPP was launched and hovering for further checks prior to the planned flight. Suddenly, things went nuts.
At 35s into flight with MPP still at 5m height and distance, Litchi reported "Loss of signal". Looking at the RC, "Signal lost" as well (glad to have the RC display). While checking the cause, the MPP started decending directly towards the thin branches of a tree below. It shredded the surrounding leafes, got into heavy tumbling but impressingly managed to stabilize itself. The decent continued towards a small rocky ledge as the last barrier (less than 1 m) between the Drone and the steep wall down into the ridge.
Apparently, after loosing the RC signal, the MPP has initiated RTH. BUT, due to the short distance to the HP, Autoland was applied - in accordance with the DJI Specs. Btw. DJI also recommends to launch only from appropriate areas...
Interestingly, after it went down, I checked the goggles and still got a live feed from the drone. Seems, it was the RC which failed to transmit. It has not happended before and with now 4 test flights later, no further problems have occured.
My learning: When launching a (DJI) drone in difficult terrain and hovering in closer proximity, be prepared for its option to Autoland where ever it actually is, rather than go back to the HP. So, either stay above the HP or move it to a save distance to ensure RTH will properly work.
And, consider to use Obstacle Avoidance and Landing Protection. Not sure if it has helped here - or might have finally deviated the Drone downhill.
See short clip here.
Never too late to improve flying skills...
