Possible reason Phantom 3s fall from the sky?

[DroneNewbie]

I recently purchased a new battery for my P3A and put it in, it clicked in place, so I was good to go. When I got ready to fly and was calibrating the compass, I noticed that the battery didn't look seated all the way. I gave it a tug and it seemed secure. I got ready to take off and I just didn't feel right about the battery so I gave it a STRONG tug and it came out. I pushed it back in and it clicked as if it was seated but another strong tug pulled it out. I had to push pretty hard to get it to seat all the way. A slight smack with my palm actually seated it nicely. I have been flying for quite some time and almost took off with a battery that wasn't secure. My other batteries seat quite easy so I didn't catch this right away. I wonder how many other people have made the same mistake and once in the air, the vibration worked the battery loose? Here are a couple pictures of the battery when it seemed "locked in" and then after it was actually seated.
[file]Battery not seated|thumb|none[/file]
[file]Battery seated|thumb|none[/file]

 

[Oso]

I recently purchased a new battery for my P3A and put it in, it clicked in place, so I was good to go. When I got ready to fly and was calibrating the compass, I noticed that the battery didn't look seated all the way. I gave it a tug and it seemed secure. I got ready to take off and I just didn't feel right about the battery so I gave it a STRONG tug and it came out. I pushed it back in and it clicked as if it was seated but another strong tug pulled it out. I had to push pretty hard to get it to seat all the way. A slight smack with my palm actually seated it nicely. I have been flying for quite some time and almost took off with a battery that wasn't secure. My other batteries seat quite easy so I didn't catch this right away. I wonder how many other people have made the same mistake and once in the air, the vibration worked the battery loose? Here are a couple pictures of the battery when it seemed "locked in" and then after it was actually seated.
[file]Battery not seated|thumb|none[/file]
[file]Battery seated|thumb|none[/file]

Here's a short video regarding the batteries "clicking" from back when the issue first came to light.

Caution - Batteries don't fully insert without force

 

[Slow Polk]

I have one battery that I have a hell of a time getting out. I have a P3A and P3S and it is hard on both of them. I have to push a flat screw driver to release it so I can pull it out. That is my forth battery so I don't use it all the time. Has anyone else had that problem?

 

[RedHotPoker]

My newest two batteries were a bit snug to extract. But over time, over a few dozen uses, they have become more manageable.

RedHotPoker

 

[Slow Polk]

I found the same thing with my other 3 batters but not this one.

 

[alokbhargava]

Initial lot of batteries were just fit and there were reports that one needs to ensure that they are sitting perfectly. New lots had new designs with tighter designs.

 

[With The Birds]

Thanks for posting the comparison pics. It seems really obvious when the battery isnt seated properly.

I always have a good look at the area where the battery meets the body before i fly, have done since this issue was first talked about. That sort of gap may even cause a comnection issue even without the battery falling out. Not good.