I lost my good friend today...so please don't give me a hard time about woulda/shoulda/coulda.
I'm just sharing my story as it might help someone else, and perhaps for cathartic purposes for me.
I've had a Phantom 1.1.1 with Stella Gimbal and GoPro Hero3+ Black for about 1.5 years. Started off with no confidence, and ended with probably overconfidence. I flew over a hundred times in various conditions and all with great footage. I've done some dumb things to be sure, but with your education, I've been what I consider a responsible droner.
We are on vacation at the beach in Florida, and I figured yet another great venue for footage. I kept away from people as I began to wander out a bit further each flight over the ocean. No risk no reward when it comes to good footage, in my book, as long as you stay safe.
After about 8 successful flights, my ninth was the nightmare I hoped would never come. Did a preflight check, all looked good, and had an uneventful takeoff. Once I felt everything was stable, I ventured off over the ocean. About 200-300 feet in altitude and about 150-200 yards out over the dark blue. My intent was to hover searching for marine life, then work my way back and take some riskier water skimming footage. Instead what I got was an exploding (shattering) propeller at the pinnacle of my ascent.
I watched in horror as the drone took a death spiral down to the ocean with a painful splash. Again, nowhere near people, but of course I'm not happy with my contribution to the ocean...both for myself and the wildlife.
I wandered out in a kayak for some sort of salvage attempt, but I'm confident its on the ocean floor.
My heart is broken. I've truly enjoyed my time with my phantom. Homeowners does not cover the loss. DJI phone lines are too busy to get in a call at this time, but I doubt they will help me.
Not sure why the prop failed, but it did, and it is what it is now. Just sharing my heartbreak with you guys.
Thanks for all your expert advise over the last year...it was fun while it lasted.
Robfern
I'm just sharing my story as it might help someone else, and perhaps for cathartic purposes for me.
I've had a Phantom 1.1.1 with Stella Gimbal and GoPro Hero3+ Black for about 1.5 years. Started off with no confidence, and ended with probably overconfidence. I flew over a hundred times in various conditions and all with great footage. I've done some dumb things to be sure, but with your education, I've been what I consider a responsible droner.
We are on vacation at the beach in Florida, and I figured yet another great venue for footage. I kept away from people as I began to wander out a bit further each flight over the ocean. No risk no reward when it comes to good footage, in my book, as long as you stay safe.
After about 8 successful flights, my ninth was the nightmare I hoped would never come. Did a preflight check, all looked good, and had an uneventful takeoff. Once I felt everything was stable, I ventured off over the ocean. About 200-300 feet in altitude and about 150-200 yards out over the dark blue. My intent was to hover searching for marine life, then work my way back and take some riskier water skimming footage. Instead what I got was an exploding (shattering) propeller at the pinnacle of my ascent.
I watched in horror as the drone took a death spiral down to the ocean with a painful splash. Again, nowhere near people, but of course I'm not happy with my contribution to the ocean...both for myself and the wildlife.
I wandered out in a kayak for some sort of salvage attempt, but I'm confident its on the ocean floor.
My heart is broken. I've truly enjoyed my time with my phantom. Homeowners does not cover the loss. DJI phone lines are too busy to get in a call at this time, but I doubt they will help me.
Not sure why the prop failed, but it did, and it is what it is now. Just sharing my heartbreak with you guys.
Thanks for all your expert advise over the last year...it was fun while it lasted.
Robfern