Crashed P3A into wall today.

San Diego Jimmer · Jan 10, 2016

Flew into a wall today. Whoops. Haha. Landed on Sandy beach and kept spinning for about 10 seconds. I cleaned it up w compressed air and seems to be fine now. Lens cover on camera is broken. Anyone know how to get repaired? Anyone have experience with getting (a lot) of sand in the drone? Any suggestions? Thanks all. I'm a 1.5 day old pilot (as evidenced by crash). New to site. Take it easy on me. [emoji16]

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msinger · Jan 10, 2016

You can buy a replacement UV filter on Amazon, eBay, or directly from DJI.

San Diego Jimmer · Jan 10, 2016

Here's a link to video of crash. It's pretty embarrassing.

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San Diego Jimmer · Jan 10, 2016

Thanks msinger!! Do you know if it's tough to change the filter yourself? Should I have it professionally done? I blasted as much sand out as possible. Wondering if I need to get it "professionally" cleaned up?

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msinger · Jan 10, 2016

It screws off. Grip it lightly and twist it counter-clockwise. If you cannot grip it, try wrapping something rubber around it.

San Diego Jimmer · Jan 10, 2016

Got it off. Thank you Msinger! Any idea if the sand should be professionally cleaned out?

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msinger · Jan 10, 2016

I would be most concerned about sand getting into the motors or moving parts of the gimbal. If you're sure you got all the sand out, then you should be fine. If you have any doubts though, I'm not sure how else you'd be able to double-check everything without dissembling the parts in question.

The Risk · Jan 12, 2016

I'm more concerned about flying close to people in the public after only 1,5 days experience. Saw a phantom flying over our heads at about 10 m on a crowded beach here in South Africa . Went up to the operator and was a 10 year old kid. Was very chilled and chatted for a while (xmas present). His dad agreed that it was not cool and off they went .

San Diego Jimmer · Jan 12, 2016

Cool. Thanks Mom.

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Coastguy3270 · Jan 12, 2016

San Diego Jimmer said:
Here's a link to video of crash. It's pretty embarrassing.

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Epic! Have seen the video of the person using follow me and the truck he was following went up hill and the P3 crashed into the side of the hill into the rocks?

impilot51 · Jan 12, 2016

San Diego Jimmer said:
Cool. Thanks Mom.

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He's right though. Find someplace without any people around for at least your next few flights as you learn to fly your Phantom. High speed props and a 2 lb mass hitting someone at 20+ mph can injure someone pretty seriously.

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San Diego Jimmer · Jan 12, 2016

No but I'd love to! Haha. It's sad to watch but equally awesome. I've watched my own crash about 100 times now and laugh. Every. Single. Time. Happy to report the damage was minimal (surprisingly) and I was up and flying again today! (More slowly and carefully)

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San Diego Jimmer · Jan 12, 2016

Hey guys I'll start a post if I want advice on where to fly. Thanks. And fyi - those "people" I was flying around were my friends there w me. We were on a deserted part of an empty beach on a cold day. So. Thanks for the advice. We're good.

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alokbhargava · Jan 12, 2016

You are the first person who can laugh at the crash

I would have sunk my head into sand.

San Diego Jimmer · Jan 12, 2016

Hahha. It was a mixture of both to be honest.

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impilot51 · Jan 12, 2016

Hey, just trying to be helpful. Friends, I should think, would be the last ones you would want to hurt. Things can get out of control quickly until you know what your doing...if you were in gps mode and simply let go of both sticks your phantom would have stopped pretty quickly and hovered in place, allowing you to re-orient yourself and bring it in without crashing. But hey, it sounds like you know what your doing and don't need any help. Happy flying, or crashing, or whatever makes ya happy.

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San Diego Jimmer · Jan 12, 2016

[emoji445]they see me trollin... They hatin...[emoji445]

Thanks for the advice Imp... Not that it was in anyway related to what I was asking for but hey, what's social media for if not for offering unsolicited advice to strangers! I'll go ahead and start an "unsolicited advice/life tips" thread as I'd love to hear more from you.... On that thread.

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Simmsy · Jan 12, 2016

San Diego Jimmer said:
Here's a link to video of crash. It's pretty embarrassing.

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Lol, how did u manage that?

San Diego Jimmer · Jan 12, 2016

Hahah Simmsy - it was a masterful combination of poor execution and strategy. Awe inspiring, I know. [emoji16]

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ScatSpeak · Jan 12, 2016

Another fine example of why the FAA, CAA, CASA, city/county/state governments, etc. are hopping onto the "ban or control drone flying everywhere" pulpit and establishing rules, regulations, laws all over to limit the use...

The reaction you're getting is actually quite mild.... and this from a group of users familiar with the craft and hobby and issues... consider how it would look from John Q. Public eyes (maybe someody living in that building you rammed)... or John Q. Officer-Of-The-Law...