86 ft out (26.2 m)  43ft AGL (13.1m)  I eased the Phantom towards the ground. From my perspective it was below the power line, then bring the Phantom forward at a midrange speed, to my surprise it caught the wire did a 360 flip around the wire then stopped in a hover a few feet below the wire....Unscathed!!! Much to my relief. Just another lesson in visual perspectives on my part. A lucky lesson in what looks OK may not be OK.

Yes they are sneaky those lines and impossible to see on the video feed even when it is known they would be right there, good to hear nothing was harmed.
I usually fly to one of the poles/masts and with the camera pointed straight forward go up until it pass a little by the top wire, then i know at what minimum altitude i can pass safely between the poles without trouble when going for the actual shot. almost same procedure for passing below the lines, then just have in mind that often they hang down in the middle specially on hot days.

KedDK Posted at 2018-5-1 07:02
Yes they are sneaky those lines and impossible to see on the video feed even when it is known they would be right there, good to hear nothing was harmed.
I usually fly to one of the poles/masts and with the camera pointed straight forward go up until it pass a little by the top wire, then i know at what minimum altitude i can pass safely between the poles without trouble when going for the actual shot. almost same procedure for passing below the lines, then just have in mind that often they hang down in the middle specially on hot days.

Good advice, I will try this next time i’m In that area. Thanks much for this common sense idea I should have thought of Thanks again.

You are also lucky the on board computer was able to apply inputs to attempt righting the bird...successfully in this case
Amazing machines they are!
Glad you only have a war story about this...Fly Safe!

My worst fear are those power lines. Glad everything is ok.

What!?! No video of the supposed incedent? Haha


Unscathed but still heart pulsing quicker, from the thought of instant disaster...


Please be more care-full. ;-)
You do have a camera on board, use it to navigate, as well. Grin


RedHotPoker

RedHotPoker Posted at 2018-5-1 11:30
What!?! No video of the supposed incedent? Haha

It was instant terror as I could see the front two propellers stopping and starting as it flipped around the power wire. I thought it was just going to nose into the ground, luckily the propellers were not damaged and it just hovered in place below the wire.

Power lines have caught many an unwary pilot of both manned and unmanned aircraft.  You were soooo lucky!

RMJovo Posted at 2018-5-1 13:13
It was instant terror as I could see the front two propellers stopping and starting as it flipped around the power wire. I thought it was just going to nose into the ground, luckily the propellers were not damaged and it just hovered in place below the wire.

I hope you never try this stunt again. It may not end the same. ;-)


Yes, these drones are quite resilient, but only to a degree. Fly carefully.


RedHotPoker

Keep in mind that end poles may also have guide-wires !  
Glad you came out unharmed!

Fortunately, the drone did surfer obvious damage. Fly safe!