Drone Manufacturer: 3DR
Drone Model: Solo
Country: United States of America
Type: Accident
Date: 2017-05-17
Applies: Nighttime
Pilot Qualifications: Unknown Status
Pilot Flight Experience: Unknown Hours
Link to External Information About This submission: https://www.safecom.gov/safecom/17-0272
File Uploaded: None
Description
Original Text:3D Solo Aircraft – FA3R4NLCRP Launched aircraft from boat approximately 30 feet. Wind was 7-10 mph with gusts up to 12 or 13. Proceeded to take video and noticed the gopro was not shooting any video. When bringing the aircraft back to check on video I hit the home button and the aircraft would not respond to the home. I put the aircraft in FLY mode but still drifted with the wind. Continued to try and hit home but still the aircraft would not respond. My only option was to land in manual mode. Attempted to land on the bow of the boat several times with wind causing bad conditions. With the wind as it was, I did not want to lose site of my aircraft in manual mode and kept eyes on aircraft. My VO was keeping watch also. I finally tried to bring aircraft in and upon approach a gust of wind blew the aircraft into tall standing {15 feet} marsh grass. The rotors hit the tall grass and turned upside down in the marsh and surrounding water. The aircraft was recovered, but rendered non flyable.
Reported Cause
Loss of control with wind as a factor.