fell outa the sky

Joined
Sep 12, 2015
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Location
Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii
Website
www.timorden.com
I never had it happen before. IDSC_0018.JPG DSC_0021.JPG DSC_0012.JPG ts as if someone had shot this bird with a gun. (No, not where it was...) Twas on the way back 100' altutude and maybe 100 yards away.. Proof that a quad can experience an unexpected, catastrophic failure. Ill have to try and get the log and look. Doesnt really matter thoDSC_0012.JPG DSC_0021.JPG DSC_0018.JPG DSC_0012.JPG ugh. its done..
 
I'll take a look at the logs from the Controller if you want. I know your bird is a loss, but looking and analyzing the logs might help others.
Wookiee is a quick and easy way to download the logs if you have an Android device:
Wookiee - Android Apps on Google Play
 
Parts bird now......I have a NIB if interested.....
 
Ouch, that's toasted, sorry for your loss. It would be interesting to know the root cause, actual component.
 
Did you lose all the LED covers? If not, I could use one to replace one I lost.:)
 
I'll take a look at the logs from the Controller if you want. I know your bird is a loss, but looking and analyzing the logs might help others.
Wookiee is a quick and easy way to download the logs if you have an Android device:
Wookiee - Android Apps on Google Play
Aloha, (yep its where I live) I've uploaded the files from the controller and wookie asks for files from the Solo, but Solo isn't cooperating. I've got the files uploaded to my Dropbox but I guess I have to have your info to ID you for the share.
 
Aloha, (yep its where I live) I've uploaded the files from the controller and wookie asks for files from the Solo, but Solo isn't cooperating. I've got the files uploaded to my Dropbox but I guess I have to have your info to ID you for the share.
Cool, send me the link (right mouse click on the folder in Dropbox and select share) via a conversation/message if you would like.
 
Flight lasted about 4.5 minutes
Battery went from 97% to 5% in that time
Never went far - maybe 100 yards from home
At about 216' AGL, battery was at 50%
At 275' AGL, battery was at 25% - Low Battery Warning
Went into RTL and Solo started climbing
At 316' AGL mode was switched to Fly and battery was at 17%
By the time Solo hit the ground under power the battery was at only 5%

Why did the battery only last 4.5 minutes? I'm not sure if the Tlog can show that. This was the primary failure, but it was not catastrophic.

Hind sight is 20/20, and I don't mean to hit you while you are down, but this is a learning opportunity for us all:

Why was RTL Altitude set to something higher than necessary - in this case over 316'? RTL Altitude should always be set to the minimum height necessary to clear nearby obstacles. In this case valuable power was wasted during the climb from 275' to 316' when you realized what was going on and switched back to Fly. Battery drained from 25% to 17% in this unnecessary climb.

Why continue the flight when power was dropping so fast? The battery was already down to 50% by the time Solo reached 216' at 3.5 minutes into the flight - this was not the time to start climbing higher. Under normal circumstances, the next 25% of the battery power might get used in a similar time as the first 50% got used.

Something went wrong to cause the power to drain so fast, but the crash looks like it might have occurred while in Fly mode and scrambling to get the Solo home and on the ground before power was out completely.
 
@Mauiwind im so sorry. I'm just healing from my own loss:

https://3drpilots.com/threads/the-w...-mid-air-solo-plummeted-into-the-ocean.11295/

It's somewhat ridiculous how attached we get with these. But that's passion. Maybe there should be a support group. :confused:
You might take some comfort in knowing that I've put three birds in the Pacific Ocean. and..... it was back when the darned things were expensive. (OK, two were replaced under warranty) But it certainly becomes a life and pilot lesson. You'll be fine, but believe me when I tell you that I understand your feelings completely.
 

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