Hi

Had a bad mishap today. Walking along the beach with my son and we decided to make a helix video to show the environment.
Drone took off as usual, spiraled up as expected.
We were then joking about how it would be terrible if it didn’t come back from there.
Probably shouldn’t have made the joke. Instead of flying back to me it just started lowering itself while above water. Ran into the sea but was unable to grab it before it drowned itself.
Fully wet (both myself and the Neo) I was able to get it but no lights. It was submerged for a maximum of 5 seconds but looking at all the intakes thats probably enough to have destroyed it.
The weird thing is we started about 5 meters away frow the water.
Also I didn’t move to make sure it knew how to get back. All for nothing.
I registered this as a flyaway as this was out of my control. Hoping there is still aome wat to retrieve my videos.

Edit: Some way*

Hi there, thank you for reaching out and we are sorry to hear about what happened with the drone. In a situation like this, the best course of action would be to submit an online repair request here: {https://repair.dji.com/repair/index}. If you need assistance with creating a ticket, you may contact DJI support at https://www.dji.com/support.

Our technician's team will run a proper evaluation of your DJI product before coming out with an assessment result. Upon the result of the assessment, it will be decided if it has to be self-paid, covered under Warranty or DJI care refresh. I hope this information has helped to clarify your inquiries. If you have any other questions, kindly let us know. Thank You!

I filed a fly away claim as it just started lowering itself instead of coming back. As mentioned I had to run into the sea fully clothes to (try and) save it but was just too late.
My phone, keys and wallet were still in my pockets and soaked along with the ride.

Will see what the team says. I have faith in a solution for the hardware but do worry about never being able to retrieve the videos that are/were on it.

ImmoNL Posted at 10-25 20:38
I filed a fly away claim as it just started lowering itself instead of coming back. As mentioned I had to run into the sea fully clothes to (try and) save it but was just too late.
My phone, keys and wallet were still in my pockets and soaked along with the ride.

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out and we are sorry to hear about what happened. That's great to know you have gotten the needed assistance.

If you have any other questions, kindly let us know. Thank You, have a great day!

What's not great to hear is the fact I keep getting ignored about the fact a 6 week old drone lowered itself into the sea.
I had to run into the sea, phone and belongings in my pocket to save it.
Now I am being told to send the flight records, which are unavailable due to it being an autonomous drone. I mentioned the information should be on the drone, but no effort is made to get the data off.

I am now having to send back the drone and pay for damage where I am not at fault.

Up till now I am very disappointed in the service.

Good news!

I have come to a solution with DJI.
Even though the Neo allows autonomous flying I would suggest to connect your phone anyway to give you information/control on what happens during a flight,

ImmoNL Posted at 11-6 01:46
Good news!

I have come to a solution with DJI.

Thats fine and all, but did they replace it ?

ImmoNL Posted at 11-6 01:46
Good news!

I have come to a solution with DJI.

Excellent suggestion, I always connect my phone when I fly the Neo just in case during an automous mode it decides to do some thing untoward, I can switch to manual and take control.

Mavic57Minis Posted at 11-6 12:10
Excellent suggestion, I always connect my phone when I fly the Neo just in case during an automous mode it decides to do some thing untoward, I can switch to manual and take control.

Well. I bought a Neo to NOT have to connect my phone. Might as well use my mini 2 than.
BUT it indeed helps in getting back your drone and have flight logs available.

umpa Posted at 11-6 11:46
Thats fine and all, but did they replace it ?

Yes.
I was able to substantiate my claim the drone was faulty as a few days prior I had a fly away while controlling with my phone.
The logs and video show I was even reversing while the drone flew straight ahead over a building into a wall.