Stress Crack: Big Deal?

Goldsaum82 · Oct 25, 2016

Just inspected my P3 4K and noticed that one of the arms has a hairline crack (see picture). I have 13 flights with a total of 1 1/2 hours of flight time. Purchased in July.

1. Is this even that big a deal? I highly doubt my bird is going to fall apart mid flight and crash to the ground. I would imagine that many people have these without even realizing it.

2. Although it's under warranty, I did have a very gentle crash a couple of months back. I hit a small tree about 8ft up and it softly fell to grass. Absolutely no damage (cosmetic or structural) was done. The stress crack was NOT there after the crash. In fact, it must have developed over the last flight. Does DJI require flight logs, or do they just inspect the drone to determine if it's under warranty?

Experiences with this? If it is something that I need to send in, I sure hope that DJI honors he 12 month warranty. Thoughts and suggestions appreciated!

msinger · Oct 25, 2016

Goldsaum82 said:
Does DJI require flight logs, or do they just inspect the drone to determine if it's under warranty?

The flight logs are also stored on the Phantom's internal memory card. So, DJI will see you crashed it if you decide to send it in for repair.

Goldsaum82 · Oct 25, 2016

msinger said:
The flight logs are also stored on the Phantom's internal memory card. So, DJI will see you crashed it if you decide to send it in for repair.

Gotcha. should I be concerned about the crack? I would imagine that I can/will keep flying as long as it doesn't worsen.

Neon Euc · Oct 25, 2016

I can't see it getting worse... But if more appear else where then it might be advisable to send it in. Also don't sent it to DJI. you will have a 12 month warranty with the store you got it from. Best get it there as it's quicker and same day swap. If they do argue that happened with a crash ( which you can point out if there was a crash the damage would be worse) and they won't exchange then take it to DJI.

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msinger · Oct 25, 2016

I'd personally be more concerned about cracks around the four motor screws. If you don't want to fix it right now, just keep an eye on it. All should be just fine as long as the shell is not separating -- which probably won't occur since it snaps together on the sides of the arms.

Goldsaum82 · Oct 25, 2016

Neon Euc said:
I can't see it getting worse... But if more appear else where then it might be advisable to send it in. Also don't sent it to DJI. you will have a 12 month warranty with the store you got it from. Best get it there as it's quicker and same day swap. If they do argue that happened with a crash ( which you can point out if there was a crash the damage would be worse) and they won't exchange then take it to DJI.

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Are you sure about the return/warranty policy? I purchased from Best Buy. I was under the impression that they were only liable for defects for 30 days after purchase. After that, I thought DJI had to handle any warranty issues.

msinger · Oct 25, 2016

Neon Euc said:
you will have a 12 month warranty with the store you got it from

I'm not sure where the OP lives, but no stores in the US offer such a warranty.

Goldsaum82 · Oct 25, 2016

Well, I guess I'll keep flying her as is.

Goldsaum82 · Oct 25, 2016

I appreciate the help, guys.

Neon Euc · Oct 25, 2016

Goldsaum82 said:
Are you sure about the return/warranty policy? I purchased from Best Buy. I was under the impression that they were only liable for defects for 30 days after purchase. After that, I thought DJI had to handle any warranty issues.

No, it's a policy as the receipt is basically a mini contract. The receipt covers electrical items for 12 months. The 30 day policy is about taking it back for a refund if it's not to your liking as long as it's not been used. But I done that a few times on items over the last few years. Something goes wrong... Straight to the shop. I even dine that with a tv 11 months after purchase. Some will argue that it has to be sent to the manufacture but legally the receipt is a contract between you and the store so your consumer rights apply

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Neon Euc · Oct 25, 2016

msinger said:
I'm not sure where the OP lives, but no stores in the US offer such a warranty.

I admit I do live in England but I believe it's mostly a universal policy. It's like one of them rules that they don't want you to know but as far as I'm aware it's a legal procedure and policy in most.. If not all countries

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Goldsaum82 · Oct 25, 2016

Neon Euc said:
I admit I do live in England but I believe it's mostly a universal policy. It's like one of them rules that they don't want you to know but as far as I'm aware it's a legal procedure and policy in most.. If not all countries

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I'm pretty sure that won't work here in the USA. At least not from somewhere like Best Buy.

Neon Euc · Oct 25, 2016

Goldsaum82 said:
I'm pretty sure that won't work here in the USA. At least not from somewhere like Best Buy.

I would def recommend giving it a shot. At the very worst they would just say no and point you to DJI which is what you was thinking of doing anyway, but.... Always a chance they will exchange it. Nothing to lose... And remember... Most staff just want to do as little work as possible so a straight swap won't be a big deal. They don't want hassle, just a nice easy day. How hard would it be for a swap rather then a customer getting angry and shouting (I don't mean you, but any customer) I think it's worth a shot... Nothing to lose [emoji6]

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look_alive · Oct 26, 2016

That's a four month old drone. No offense, but I think you would literally be laughed out of a Best Buy in the US if you tried that. They will immediately tell you to contact the manufacturer.

msinger · Oct 26, 2016

I agree. We don't operate like that in the US.

Neon Euc · Oct 26, 2016

look_alive said:
That's a four month old drone. No offense, but I think you would literally be laughed out of a Best Buy in the US if you tried that. They will immediately tell you to contact the manufacturer.

Wow the rules are pretty tough in the US [emoji33]

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Neon Euc · Oct 26, 2016

It's a shame as we have a 6 year warranty rule with all products in the uk

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look_alive · Oct 26, 2016

Perhaps that's why everything is more expensive there?

Best Buy in the US makes millions of dollars per quarter selling extended warranties. Many times, even those don't cover repairs.

Does Best Buy in the UK sell extended warranties? If every product is covered for six years, then why?

Could I take a broken 5 year old iPhone 3G into a Best Buy and demand compensation?

dg8882 · Oct 26, 2016

Back about what the OP was wondering, I wouldn't be concerned about the crack. Only if it grows or more appear should you worry.
I saw this one pop up on my standard a bit ago. I got some bondic plastic welder and patched the crack, applying a good amount under the arm where the crack still had room to grow. I have had at least a few hours of flying since then and no growth.