I flew in an Authorization Zone yesterday in the USA. Got electronic (automated) approval through AirMap & via text message, then unlocked the area in my DJI Fly app (after some difficulty, but it did finally work). 30-60 seconds after takeoff, I got a message that I had taken off in an Authorization Zone without unlocking it and that the drone would land automatically. I couldn't get it back in time -- it immedately started to decend at full speed, then crashed into a lake.


This was obviously a software bug. Can anyone recommend how I can get in touch with DJI to get followup and further recourse please?

Aren't there two overlapping exclusion zones? You have validated only one of the two ?

LV_Forestry Posted at 12-5 12:36
Aren't there two overlapping exclusion zones? You have validated only one of the two ?

I completed all validations. It won't let you take off if you haven't validated.

Incoherent1 Posted at 12-5 12:40
I completed all validations. It won't let you take off if you haven't validated.

Try to fly from A to B by unlocking only the large area, but not the small one. I guarantee you that the drone will take off, and that something will happen at some point.

What will be interesting is to have the flight log in order to know the location of your flight, and to know what really happened.


The drone is not supposed to land alone in the middle of nowhere. This deserves an investigation.

yeah would like to know as well because i hadnt heard of this before.  incoherent, as far as you remember, you indeed unlocked for two or more zones?  or, when you said "all" that means one for all of them?  is that how it works?

I experienced a similar problem recently. I unlocked the large zone but didn’t realise I needed to also unlock the small zone. I managed to take off in the small zone but I was unable to fly the drone back to the home point.https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj7waGAx-P7AhWtgVwKHRy2BmQQFnoECBoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.dji.com%2Fforum.php%3Fmod%3Dviewthread%26tid%3D278778&usg=AOvVaw0SNyl-zmiOVkqtkHBvJ_f4

Hi there. Thank you for reaching out. We are deeply sorry about the accident. May we confirm if the drone was retrieved, or not? If it was not recovered, we highly suggest you submit a Flyaway Report on this link. If the drone was recovered, you can submit an online repair application through this link: {https://repair.dji.com/repair/index}.
For warranty claims, make sure to mention it in the case. Our related team will conduct a Data Analysis through your flight records to determine the cause of the accident. Please note that warranty service can be applied depending on the result of the investigation and the warranty status. You may also contact our Customer Support to get more details about the process. You may reach them at (support.dji.com). Should you have other concerns, please reach back here at DJI Forum. Thank you, and keep safe.

happened to me recently as well: there is only one zone which I have unlocked with DJI. As was flying inside of warehouse building, the drone did hit the side wall and went down not causing any damage to itself or equipment. What happened exactly was drone suddenly started moving sideways from hover position and didnt react to controls. The latest firmware has been installed 30 minutes prior accident.