My first CRASH!

RcHawks · 2026-06-07T12:42:56-0400

Never say never I guess. Up to this point I’ve never crashed, but can’t claim that now. I was setting up to use the Dronie feature on my neo and instead of moving straight back it moved back and to the side as it tried to travel to the programed height of 10 meters. Problem was it was doing this under the carport roof! It bounced up and down like a crazed mad bumble bee trying to go thru. It finally dropped onto the wall ledge next to me and I grabbed it while it’s still running trying to take off and fly, so I flipped it upside down for the emergency shut off. Of course this worked. It could have been so much worse though. My wife’s car was parked there and I’m sure if it had dropped on it there would have been a scratch or two. Also there are bird spikes in the rafter’s and if it had dropped on one of those it would have damaged the props and or motors. So I got lucky.

GFields · 2026-06-07T12:46:49-0400

Does it still fly/work?

RcHawks · 2026-06-07T13:15:20-0400

Everything seems to be ok, but I haven’t had another flight as of yet. I have two backups just in case,

I guess I won’t know for sure until I try a flight to look for any problems though.

Chrislaf · 2026-06-07T16:50:46-0400

Glad to hear that everything seems to be OK.

I've had a number of crashes with my Neo - mostly in Follow mode/Active Track when it has been tracking me and has hit a tree branch and fallen into the leaves or snow with no damage. The worst crash I had is when the Neo's compass was deflected by my electric hand warmer that had a magnet in it and it took off behind me and hit a concrete barrier. There was a broken prop and some scuff marks on the prop ducts and guards but nothing else and it still works and flies fine to this day.

Chris

RcHawks · 2026-06-07T17:20:00-0400

It’s a vert robust drone, without a doubt!

sarahb · 2026-06-07T19:53:53-0400

I bought the Neo for real estate but don't really like it. I guess it is having to wear goggles I can't stand. Fortunately, it is not often I am asked for interior video.

Chrislaf · 2026-06-07T20:33:38-0400

sarahb said:
I bought the Neo for real estate but don't really like it. I guess it is having to wear goggles I can't stand. Fortunately, it is not often I am asked for interior video.

Can’t you just fly it like a regular drone without goggles?

I sometimes fly my original Neo inside my house (don’t have goggles) but I have to have one of those LED lights that clip to the battery and then it works great. The only drawback is the LED light only lasts about a battery and a half then it becomes less effective.

Chris

RcHawks · 2026-06-07T22:26:45-0400

sarahb said:
I bought the Neo for real estate but don't really like it. I guess it is having to wear goggles I can't stand. Fortunately, it is not often I am asked for interior video.

It can be flown with the goggles resting on your arm and flying VLOS, I’ve done that many times before mostly on takeoff and landings. Just be mindful of the battery levels, ect. Goggles aren’t comfortable for everyone, plus there’s the rule about using a spotter with flights.

Droning on and on... · 2026-06-08T12:47:39-0400

Chrislaf said:
Can’t you just fly it like a regular drone without goggles?

Yes, with the RC2 and RC-N2.

Chrislaf said:
I sometimes fly my original Neo inside my house (don’t have goggles) but I have to have one of those LED lights that clip to the battery and then it works great. The only drawback is the LED light only lasts about a battery and a half then it becomes less effective.

The downward light accessory is critical indoors, but with it operation is reliable.