Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported temporarily losing control of the UAS and it climbed above the authorized altitude. The pilot was able to regain control and bring the UAS back to clearance

Date: 2025-10 · Aircraft: DJI Avata 2 · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: aircraft-equipment-problem-less-severe|airspace-violation-all-types|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-far|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-unauthorized-flight-operations-uas|inflight-event-encounter-loss-of-aircraft-control|inflight-event-encounter-weather-turbulence

Synopsis

Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported temporarily losing control of the UAS and it climbed above the authorized altitude. The pilot was able to regain control and bring the UAS back to clearance

Narrative

Location X; Day 0; at approximately XA:45; I was flying my FAA-registered DJI Avata 2 (recreational/Part 107 pilot) at Location X; in Class D airspace near ZZZ. I had an active LAANC authorization via AutoPylot for a 100-foot AGL ceiling; though the airspace quadrant allows up to 150 feet.While capturing foliage imagery at ~90 feet; I flew the drone beyond a bridge; ~200 meters from my position; into a strong south wind. This caused a temporary signal loss in the DJI Fly app/Goggles 3. While maneuvering back to regain signal; I noticed via the app's altitude display that the drone reached ~120 feet for approximately 20 seconds. I immediately corrected by descending below 100 feet; then steadily lowered to ~60 feet; returning the drone to my position. No manned aircraft; people; or property were endangered; and the park was clear of hazards.The exceedance was unintentional; caused by wind and signal challenges during FPV flight. In the future; I will: Set the DJI Fly app altitude limit to 90 feet to prevent ceiling breaches.Keep flights within 100 meters of my position to maintain signal in controlled airspace.Enable Local Data Mode and set RTH altitude to <100 feet.Review FAA UAS rules and practice FPV control in varying wind conditions.I aim to enhance safety and compliance in future operations.

NASA callback

Reporter stated the bridge being in between themself and the drone is possibly what caused the signal loss.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.