UAS pilot reported a flyaway of their UAS. The transmitter failed to control the UAS and it crashed into a lake.
Synopsis
UAS pilot reported a flyaway of their UAS. The transmitter failed to control the UAS and it crashed into a lake.
Narrative
Where- ZZZ1 on the beach.When- DateWhy- I wanted to test the zoom lens on the Mavic 3 Pro.What happened- I had just flown another UA; the Mavic 2 Pro; and decided to show my visual observer the zoom on the new UA; Mavic 3 Pro. I launched the M3 and had it hovering about 20 feet above and perhaps 15 feet away from us. I looked down to the controller to tap on the zoom when I heard the drone motors rev-up. It suddenly took off out towards the water; flew east over the water for about 150 yards; and did a hard bank to the right and descended into the water. All happening within a minute. I had no control over the sticks. They were useless. It flew at a fast speed...one of which I never fly at. There was no one around at the time except for [a family member] who was acting as visual observer. We called DJI within 2 hours and reported the flyaway. I explained what happened and that I have been flying various DJI products for 6 years and they asked me to sync the flight record. They sent me another Mavic 3 within 10 days of losing the one I purchased less than 6 months ago. I have yet to even turn a prop on the new one having lost confidence in it. I had heard of trouble with the Mavic 3 and haven't flown it much. It had less than 2 hours total on it. It did have the latest firmware uploaded on it.I have been flying drones for 8 years and have been running a drone service provider business for X years. I took and passed the Part 107 on the first day on the first hour it was offered. I am the lead Operator for the Public Officials' Office.This was a wake up call for me because I give STEM (Science; Technology; Engineering; and Math) demos and fly very close to airports. I have heard about flyaways from other operators; but never experienced it before now. It was certainly shocking. I had a hard time submitting this report...The field asking for hours in make/model would not accept 2.0 so I put in 0.
NASA callback
The reporter indicated prior to the flight they knew of flyaway issues with the Mavic 3. The reporter had owned the UAS for some time but chosen not to fly it due to the known issues; one of which included issues with the UAS firmware. While hesitant; the reporter chose to fly the UAS with a VO; with good weather; and in a sparsely populated area without any terrain or obstructions. Prior to the flight the reporter confirmed the UAS had the correct firmware version and completed all the pre-flight safety checks. During the flight and once the flyaway began the reporter had zero control and connection to the UAS thus being unable to initiate RTH.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.