Problems with falling DJI Matrice?

By in ADS-B

There are growing concerns about an apparent power failure issue with the DJI Matrice drone. The DJI Matrice 210 series has been a favorite of public agencies, and law enforcement in particular. Among the favorite features are the zoom camera and the ability to switch between optical and thermal camera. The adaptable platform is used for industrial inspections, search and rescue missions, mapping and more. It has a maximum take-off weight of 6.14KG and can be used with a variety of DJI gimbals. The model was among the first to be equipped with DJI’s AirSense ADS-B for situational awareness, considered a first step to BVLOS operation.

Swiss authorities cautioned DJI Matrice 210 pilots to keep these aircraft well clear of populated areas. Social media users continue to report crashes for unknown reasons. FOCA is the Federal Office of Civil Aviation, which is the equivalent of the FAA for Switzerland.

The Swiss FOCA recommends that drone pilots of DJI Matrice 210 keep their aircraft well away from populated areas. It appears that this type of drone presents an increased risk of crashing. Until further notice, FOCA will not issue any authorization for this type of drone. FOCA will communicate as soon as the manufacturer has taken appropriate measures to eliminate this risk.

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has also issued a safety warning to UK drone pilots using the DJI Matrice 200. UK police have grounded some of their drones because of a fault that means the devices can fall out of the sky

According to the CAA, “a small number of incidents have been recently reported where the aircraft has suffered a complete loss of power during flight, despite indications that there was sufficient battery time still remaining.

DJI has promised to keep its customers up-to-date with regards to the battery failing issue while it’s working on a firmware update. the company also gorgeous customers who believe may have a battery related power problem to contact DJI customer support.

*Instructions before and during flight:

  1. Fully charge the battery according to the indicator on the charger, not the indicator on the battery itself
  2. Insert the battery in the drone, power on and check in the app that the voltage is above 4.25V (fully charged)
  3. During flight, continue to monitor the voltage of the battery in the battery submenu of the app at all times and ensure it is above 3.7V
  4. Plan your flight so as to end the operation and land with at least 3.7V indicated (approximately 30% of full charge)
  5. Reminder: Keep the flight within visual line of sight (VLOS) to support a safe return to home
  6. Do not fly over people, moving vehicles, or other property that is susceptible to damage

Click here for DJI’s official statement.

This latest issue is added to continued security concerns (UAV Expert News) about the potential for data being exposed to the Chinese government.

(Sources: DJI.com, www.bazl.admin.ch, DroneLife.com, AOPA Drone Pilot, BBC.com, dronedj.com)