DJI Drone Battery Issue Leading to Crash: After-Sales Service Avoiding Responsibility

During the return flight, when the battery level was at 19%, a sudden and unexpected issue occurred: “Insufficient battery power automatically reducing aircraft maneuverability” (see Figure 2). At that moment, the drone was 1,055 meters away from the return point. As experienced pilots know, flying against wind resistance is already challenging, but the forced reduction in maneuverability made it nearly impossible to control.

Eventually, the drone was forced to land in the sea, just 269 meters short of reaching the return point.

Here’s the puzzling part: I own three batteries in total. The other two (referenced in Figures 3 and 4) had flown successfully at the same location previously. During their return flights, they faced even stronger headwinds, and their battery levels were lower than 19%. Yet, neither of them encountered the issue of reduced maneuverability due to insufficient battery power (as shown in Figure 5, where another battery maintained functionality despite having only 3% charge left during a headwind return).

In normal circumstances, a properly functioning battery would provide clear warnings such as “Low battery, please return,” “Aircraft battery low, please return or land immediately,” or “Severely low battery, initiating automatic landing (while still allowing altitude control).” It would never compromise the aircraft’s maneuverability, especially with a battery level as high as 19%. (This particular battery was purchased directly from the DJI store—it’s an original product.)

Had this battery not exhibited this abnormal behavior, my drone could have easily completed the final 269 meters and returned safely. To assist in diagnosing the issue, I’ve uploaded all previous flight data and logs to DJI for further analysis.

The evidence clearly demonstrates that the other two batteries performed flawlessly under more demanding conditions and with lower battery levels. I’ve also consulted with fellow pilots in my network, and none of them have ever encountered the problem of “insufficient power reducing maneuverability,” even when flying with very low battery levels and strong headwinds. Despite this, DJI’s after-sales support insists the battery is functioning correctly…

I specifically asked their after-sales team to explain: “Why didn’t the other two batteries, which faced even lower battery levels and stronger headwinds, experience this issue?” Their response? They repeatedly attributed it to low battery and referred the matter to a senior specialist. But if that’s the case, why didn’t my other batteries exhibit the same problem? My flight data tells the whole story, yet the conversation keeps circling without resolution.

To me, this seems like a straightforward issue. The DJI after-sales team consists of knowledgeable adults—how can this be so difficult to comprehend? @DJI Innovation @DJI Service @DJI Technical Support