Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Emerging Tech
  3. News

DJI investigates Spark drone after users report fly-aways and unexplained crashes

Hillary K. Grigonis
By

DJI Spark best drones under $500
DJI is investigating after a small number of user reported unexplained Spark crashes. On the company’s online forum, a handful of users have reported that they lost control of the drone while using the gesture controls or the mobile app, causing Spark fly-aways and crashes.

“DJI is aware of a small number of reports involving Spark drones that have lost power mid-flight,” a DJI spokesperson told Digital Trends. “Flight safety and product reliability are top priorities. Our engineers are thoroughly reviewing each customer case and working to address this matter urgently. DJI products are tested for thousands of hours, and the overwhelming number of customers enjoy using our products with minimal disruption.”

Related Videos

The company says they will be adding additional safeguards through a firmware update at a later date, which can be installed through the DJI Go 4 app.

Related

One user says that the drone was in tracking mode when it suddenly flew away and crashed to the ground. After three hours of searching, the drone was recovered, allowing access to the flight data and the video of the fly-away:

Dji Spark flew away while active tracking

Another user reported the Spark losing power midflight and falling to the ground while the user was operating the drone with the iPhone app.

While it’s unclear if the DJI Spark fly-away issue is confined to a few faulty units, or even if the problem is a result of user error, DJI is investigating. On one forum, a DJI official encourages users who experience the problem to send the company the flight log for analysis.

DJI’s small drone has been well received, with reviewers impressed at the Twinkie-sized drone’s flight performance, intelligent flight modes, and obstacle avoidance. While small drones tend to be more difficult to control, the Spark’s reliability during a two-week test has the drone slated as one of the best options for beginners.

If DJI does in fact find a hardware or software error is to blame, the Spark wouldn’t be the first compact drone to experience issues. GoPro recalled its first drone, the Karma, shortly after launch because several units lost power and fell out of the air. The issue happened to be a simple fix that could have actually been temporarily done with duct-tape — the battery didn’t fit properly and could lose connection in a rough flight — and the drone is now back on the market.

Fly-aways are a common issue with unmanned aerial vehicles, often caused by losing connection with the controller, though other factors like electromagnetic interference can also play a role. DJI’s drones use several different safeguards designed to help in such an issue, including setting a home point, which the drone will automatically return to if the connection with the controller is lost.

Update: DJI shared an official statement on the issue, which is now included above.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
This new Windows 11 feature will help you protect your passwords
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

The new Windows 11 22H2 update was just released, bringing an interesting security feature. Dubbed "Enhanced Phishing Protection," this feature was made to help users protect their Windows passwords a little bit better.

Enhanced Phishing Protection will warn users whenever they enter their Windows password in places where it's not needed. Here's how it works.

Read more
This Microsoft Teams exploit could leave your account vulnerable
A video call in Microsoft Teams is displayed on a laptop.

According to analysts from cybersecurity company Vectra, there's a massive vulnerability within Microsoft Teams, and countless users could potentially be affected if hackers gets their hands on it.

The program has a flaw that makes it possible for attackers to steal the login credentials of users and log into their accounts. Unfortunately, Microsoft is not planning to patch this right now, so read on to make sure you're staying safe from this unexpected Microsoft Teams issue.

Read more
The DJI Osmo Action 3 looks nothing like the Action 2
The DJI Osmo Action 3 in a rocky stream.

After its audaciously different and innovative Action 2 camera, DJI is returning to the roots of its action camera lineup with the Osmo Action 3. It now closely resembles the original DJI Osmo Action, including the reintroduction of the Osmo branding into its name. However, it has clearly learned a lot from the Action 2, so the camera offers some unique talents that could give it an edge over the fierce competition it faces.

The key feature that helps the Action 3 stand out from the crowd is its magnetic mounting system. This was pioneered in the Action 2, and has been refined in the Action 3 to eliminate loose connections and better withstand impacts. However, unlike the Action 2, the Action 3 no longer transmits power and data through this connection.

Read more