Infographic displaying a drone failure list and troubleshooting guide, including common drone malfunctions like power loss, propeller issues, and communication errors, alongside troubleshooting steps such as checking connections, calibrating sensors, and updating firmware.

Drone Failure List & Troubleshooting Guide

/0 Comments/in /by

Drone Failure List & Troubleshooting Guide

This guide provides a quick-reference checklist for common drone failures. It is organized by flight phase to help you quickly diagnose and resolve issues, ensuring safer and more reliable flights.

Part 1: Pre-Flight Checklist & Failures

Goal: Prevent issues before takeoff. Address these problems on the ground.

Symptom / Failure Common Causes Troubleshooting Steps
Will Not Power On • Battery not installed or is loose.
• Battery is completely drained.
• Faulty battery or power button.
• Firmware corruption.		 1. Check Battery: Ensure it’s securely clicked into place.
2. Charge Battery: Use the official charger for at least 30 minutes.
3. Power Cycle: Remove the battery, wait 1 minute, reinsert, and try again.
4. Test with Spare: If you have a spare battery, try it to isolate the issue.
5. Contact Support: If all else fails, the device may need a firmware flash or hardware repair.
Remote Controller (RC) Not Connecting • RC or drone not powered on.
• Signal interference (Wi-Fi, power lines).
• Out of range.
• Firmware mismatch.
• RC or drone antenna/module issue.		 1. Restart Everything: Power off both RC and drone. Power on the RC first, then the drone.
2. Check Proximity & Environment: Ensure they are within 1-3 meters and away from interference sources.
3. Re-link Manually: Follow your drone’s manual to perform a manual re-linking procedure.
4. Update Firmware: Check the app for firmware updates for both devices.
5. Check Antennas: Make sure RC antennas are fully extended and pointed towards the drone.
Weak or No GPS Signal • Flying indoors or under a metal roof.
• Obstructions (buildings, mountains, trees).
• Bad weather (thick clouds).
• Cold start (needs time to find satellites).
• Faulty GPS module.		 1. Move to an Open Area: Find an unobstructed outdoor location.
2. Be Patient: Keep the drone still for 2-5 minutes after powering on.
3. Check Satellite Count: In the app, ensure you have acquired at least 6+ satellites for a stable lock.
4. Calibrate Compass: Perform a compass calibration in an open area, away from metal objects.

Part 2: In-Flight Emergencies

Goal: React quickly and calmly to problems that occur during flight. Prioritize a safe landing.

Symptom / Failure Common Causes Troubleshooting Steps
Drifting / Unstable Hover • Compass interference (most common).
• Incorrect compass calibration.
• Weak GPS signal (flying in ATTI mode).
• Damaged or unbalanced propellers.
• Strong winds.		 1. Switch to ATTI Mode: Manually take control to stabilize the drone and land it immediately.
2. Recall Environment: Think if you flew near metal structures, cars, or power lines.
3. Recalibrate Post-Flight: After landing, move to a safe area and recalibrate the compass.
4. Inspect Props: Check for cracks, chips, or loose propellers.
Lost Video Feed / Image Lag • Flying too far or behind obstacles.
• Signal interference.
• Incorrect RC antenna orientation.
• Outdated firmware.		 1. Adjust Antenna: Immediately point the flat side of the RC’s antenna directly at the drone.
2. Reduce Distance/Obstacles: Fly closer or lower your altitude to clear the line of sight.
3. Initiate RTH: If you cannot restore the feed, use the Return-to-Home (RTH) function.
4. Update Firmware: Ensure both drone and RC have the latest firmware for optimal performance.
Drone Unresponsive to Controls • Complete RC signal loss.
• Critical low battery (triggering auto-landing).
• Mid-air collision damaging flight controller.
• System freeze.		 1. Stay Calm & Observe: The drone will likely execute its failsafe (e.g., RTH or auto-landing).
2. Attempt to Reconnect: Move the RC antenna and try to regain control.
3. Execute Failsafe: If you have set a failsafe action in the app (like RTH on signal loss), trust it to work.
4. Post-Flight Analysis: After retrieving the drone, use the app’s flight log to diagnose the root cause (check for voltage drops, error messages, etc.).

Part 3: Post-Flight & Maintenance Issues

Goal: Identify and fix underlying problems after a flight to prevent future failures.

Symptom / Failure Common Causes Troubleshooting Steps
Battery Won’t Charge • Battery over-discharged (in “sleep mode”).
• Faulty charger or cable.
• Dirty or damaged battery contacts.
• Battery has reached end of its life.		 1. Wake the Battery: Use the official charger; some batteries require a slow charge to “wake up”.
2. Clean Contacts: Gently clean the metal contacts on the battery and charger with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Test Charger/Cable: Try a different charger or cable to rule them out.
4. Check Battery Health: In the app, check the battery’s charge cycle count and health. Replace if below 80%.
Gimbal Shaking, Tilted, or Not Working • Gimbal clamp not removed.
• Physical impact damaging motors or arms.
• Needs gimbal calibration.
• Loose internal cable or moisture.		 1. Remove Gimbal Clamp: This is the most common user error.
2. Calibrate Gimbal: Use the app’s gimbal calibration function (usually found in settings).
3. Physical Inspection: Gently check for free movement, listen for grinding noises, and inspect visible cables.
4. Restart & Update: A simple restart or firmware update can often resolve software glitches.

Best Practices: Proactive Maintenance Checklist

Action Why It’s Important How to Do It
Keep Firmware Updated Fixes bugs, improves stability, and adds features. Regularly check for updates in the official app.
Use a Pre-Flight Checklist Prevents 80% of accidents caused by oversight. Create a physical or digital list (battery, props, GPS, RC, etc.) and use it every time.
Inspect Props After Every Flight Damaged props are a major cause of in-flight failure. Look for nicks, cracks, and bends. Replace if any damage is found.
Store Properly Protects the battery and electronics from degradation. Store in a cool, dry case. Store batteries at 40-60% charge for long-term.
Use Original or Certified Parts Ensures compatibility and safety. Avoid cheap, third-party props and batteries of unknown quality.
Understand Local Regulations Ensures legal and safe flying. Check local drone laws and no-fly zones before every flight.
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *