DJI Swim Team

Joe_Kunsch · May 2, 2016

I was flying my P4 over water and I believe a bird hit me from behind. Will DJI replace it? The P4 sank and was unrecoverable.

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DroneDestination · May 2, 2016

Nope. If something was in the way, DJI will consider this pilot error or maybe an Act of God. They only cover repairs due to hardware/software faults that were their issue, not yours or the environment's. RIP P4

msinger · May 2, 2016

DJI will definitely not replace your Phantom due to a bird strike.

Sim597 · May 2, 2016

He said he thinks, maybe it was a failure? Although pretty rare, sucks over water, but a bird coming down at 100' or so would likely be toast anyway

msinger · May 2, 2016

The OP said he thinks it was a bird strike. Even if some type of failure, DJI normally does not replace a Phantom that cannot be retrieved. The best they normally do is offer x% off of a new Phantom.

Joe_Kunsch · May 2, 2016

I guess they are looking at my flight log. It's not going to show anything other than it wasn't my fault that it fell. Which is good. I wasn't even touching the left stick. Just dropped.

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DroneDestination · May 2, 2016

Well, technically, if you didn't tell them about the bird, they might think it was a fault... let us know what happens.

Joe_Kunsch · May 2, 2016

I'm not saying anything about a bird. What bird? I'll let you guys know. In the mean time check out my few shots I do have. www.youtube.com/bio680

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Joe_Kunsch · May 2, 2016

VPS was on. But should I tell them it was off?

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Stroker · May 2, 2016

Check with your house insurance...they might cover replacement if you pay the deductible

Joe_Kunsch · May 2, 2016

I have renters insurance but the P4 isn't on the policy as an item.

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msinger · May 2, 2016

There is no way to turn off VPS.

Joe_Kunsch · May 2, 2016

I thought you could in advanced settings. You're supposed to turn it off if you go over water I think. Maybe I'm wrong

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sacooke · May 2, 2016

Joe_Kunsch said:
VPS was on. But should I tell them it was off?

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You're old enough my friend. Be guided by your conscience.

msinger · May 2, 2016

Joe_Kunsch said:
I thought you could in advanced settings. You're supposed to turn it off if you go over water I think.

You can turn VPS off in DJI GO when flying a Phantom 3. It's always on when flying the Phantom 4 though. The best you can do is switch to ATTI mode to prevent VPS from affecting the position of the Phantom.

dotcomray · May 2, 2016

Oh my god. This is my worst fear.

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Joe_Kunsch · May 3, 2016

It was a bust. I gave it a valiant effort!

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KevMo Photog · May 5, 2016

Dang that sucks man! Hate to hear you lost your P4! Fingers crossed DJI takes care of you somehow!

Joe_Kunsch · May 5, 2016

DJI is covering the cost of the AC. Sending in the RC and they are sending me a new one. Thanks DJI. I got lucky this time.

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r62ewa · May 6, 2016

Joe_Kunsch said:
DJI is covering the cost of the AC. Sending in the RC and they are sending me a new one. Thanks DJI. I got lucky this time.

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Excellent news. Bird strikes are always a fear of mine as I live and fly in a coastal environment and sometimes the seagulls or crows can be very pesky. I have DJI Care so hopefully if I ever suffer the same fate I may luck out as well.