Drone crash - investigation

[Marktheman]

I have just been trying out a new Holy Stone - HS510 drone. I hovered at 50m, I was turning 360 and recording. Then all of a sudden the drone shot off at speed and descended quickly crashing into a neighbouring garden. I knocked on doors but there was no signal and no sign of the drone anywhere near the probable crash site. The camera was wifi recording and filmed the direction of the crash before cutting out a few seconds before crashing. I am now put off buying another drone as I've no idea whether it was pilot error (I've no idea what I could have done) or malfunction. Amazon were terrific and have offered a full refund if I return the case, charger and controller as they were happy to agree it was a malfunction and because I spend thousands with them and have rarely retuned anything. I believe it should have descended slowly if it lost connection. I pressed return to base as soon as it veered off but that did nothing. Hope someone can explain what might have happened.

 

[Marktheman]

I expect there might be an investigation when you're flying in areas you shouldn't be (possibly without a licence either?)

In farmer's field at back of our property (with permission), 50m away from people (or buildings where they might be), operators and pilots licence paid £9. Long gardens of all properties in semi-rural area, lots of hedges and trees. 80m from a road.
Think that ticks the right boxes. Still managed to travel 50m plus from where it was hovering. Although it wasn't windy, perhaps a wind at 50m took it.

 

[Marktheman]

It might be better to fly it in an open area/park in the future? that way you won't lose it and I'm not sure what band they use but it could have been wireless interference?

Good advice - if I dare get another one.