My Spark flew away out of control just after getting an update, and, luckily struck a tree instead of continuing its path toward more populated areas. I complained to DJI and sent the drone to them for evaluation. Here is there reply:
Thank you for your patience.
This is Ken from Technical Support team, and I will be assisting you on this case from now on for related inquiries about data analysis.
Here's the result of the data analysis on your case number: CAS-2657751-T9L9F7.
1. Unit was in P-GPS mode and was responsive to RC input.
2. Unit recorded external impact, at relative height(m) and flight time: 99 secs 32 meters
3. User commanded throttle down and crashed
4. Unit obstacle avoidance cannot tree branches
Incident date: 2019 01 05
Incident GPS location: REDACTED
According to the analysis, the the incident was not caused by any product malfunction.
We can still proceed with the repair, however, you will cover the repair charges.
Your understanding and and cooperation will be highly appreciated.
Best regards,
Ken
DJI Technical Support
Website: DJI Support – Here for You – DJI
So, they are holding me responsible, saying it was a user stick error, because I throttled down, AFTER the Spark flew out of control and struck a tree! They want to charge me $109.00 for the repair, which I refuse to pay, since it was not my fault. "External Impact" is not a crash, apparently. The crash happens after the Spark drops like a sack of potatoes AFTER the "External Impact." I have hours of flying experience on a Mavic Pro, and thought a Spark might be a fun supplement. Well, I would never trust a Spark again, because "ready to fly" may actually mean, "ready to fly away." I would discourage anyone from purchasing a Spark and am evaluating my choice of the Mavic Pro, which could cause even more mayhem if it flew out of control as the Spark did. This consumer's confidence in DJI products is very low. Look for my Spark on eBay for sale for parts in the near future.
Thank you for your patience.
This is Ken from Technical Support team, and I will be assisting you on this case from now on for related inquiries about data analysis.
Here's the result of the data analysis on your case number: CAS-2657751-T9L9F7.
1. Unit was in P-GPS mode and was responsive to RC input.
2. Unit recorded external impact, at relative height(m) and flight time: 99 secs 32 meters
3. User commanded throttle down and crashed
4. Unit obstacle avoidance cannot tree branches
Incident date: 2019 01 05
Incident GPS location: REDACTED
According to the analysis, the the incident was not caused by any product malfunction.
We can still proceed with the repair, however, you will cover the repair charges.
Your understanding and and cooperation will be highly appreciated.
Best regards,
Ken
DJI Technical Support
Website: DJI Support – Here for You – DJI
So, they are holding me responsible, saying it was a user stick error, because I throttled down, AFTER the Spark flew out of control and struck a tree! They want to charge me $109.00 for the repair, which I refuse to pay, since it was not my fault. "External Impact" is not a crash, apparently. The crash happens after the Spark drops like a sack of potatoes AFTER the "External Impact." I have hours of flying experience on a Mavic Pro, and thought a Spark might be a fun supplement. Well, I would never trust a Spark again, because "ready to fly" may actually mean, "ready to fly away." I would discourage anyone from purchasing a Spark and am evaluating my choice of the Mavic Pro, which could cause even more mayhem if it flew out of control as the Spark did. This consumer's confidence in DJI products is very low. Look for my Spark on eBay for sale for parts in the near future.