Drone faults encyclopedia
Comprehensive drone fault encyclopedia — 42 step-by-step guides: navigation, link, battery, motors, camera, firmware, flight limits and overheating. Each guide follows safe diagnostics: safety first, repair, then VLOS test flight.
42 guides in catalog
1. Safety before repair
Disconnect the battery and remove props when working on ESC or motors. Swollen LiPo — dispose, do not charge.
In-flight fault — note error code, firmware version, satellite count and flight log.
After repair — test flight in an open area, away from people, per EASA Open category.
3. Link & FPV (7)
7 guides in Link & FPV with symptoms, causes and fixes.
- Drone won't connectApp or controller cannot find aircraft. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB pairing diagnostics.
- RC link lost / failsafeController signal drops — failsafe triggers in flight.
- FPV video lossAnalogue or digital FPV video cuts out in flight.
- ExpressLRS won't bindELRS TX and RX modules will not bind.
- Wi-Fi interference on 2.4 GHzRC or video link disrupted by 2.4 GHz networks.
- USB data connectionPC cannot see drone — charge-only cable or driver.
- Controller won't bindDJI RC / Smart Controller pairing fails.
4. Battery & power (6)
6 guides in Battery & power with symptoms, causes and fixes.
- Battery won't chargeLiPo/LiIon pack won't charge or charger shows error.
- Battery voltage sagSudden voltage drop under throttle — early low battery warning.
- Swollen LiPo batterySwollen LiPo cell — stop using immediately.
- Battery not recognizedDrone or charger does not recognize battery.
- Short flight timeBattery drains much faster than specification.
- Battery storage modeLiPo storage voltage — left fully charged too long.
5. Motors & ESC (5)
5 guides in Motors & ESC with symptoms, causes and fixes.
- ESC / motor errorMotors won't spin or stutter. ESC diagnostics, motor test and safe repair.
- Motor desync in flightAircraft tumbles or drops — one or more motors lose sync.
- Vibration and jelloJello in video or gimbal shake.
- Propeller problemsProps crack, noise or wrong mounting.
- After a prop strikeImpact with object — what to check before next flight.
6. Camera & gimbal (6)
6 guides in Camera & gimbal with symptoms, causes and fixes.
- Gimbal motor errorDJI or consumer gimbal won't calibrate or shows motor overload.
- Gimbal jitterMicro-shake in video while hovering or slow flight.
- SD card errorCannot write or read SD card.
- Won't record videoPhoto works but video won't record or files corrupt.
- Camera overheatingRecording stops — camera overheating warning.
- SD card fullRecording stops — card full or filesystem issue.
7. Firmware & sensors (3)
3 guides in Firmware & sensors with symptoms, causes and fixes.
8. Flight & limits (5)
5 guides in Flight & limits with symptoms, causes and fixes.
- Drone won't take offMotors spin but aircraft won't lift or flips.
- Max altitude / distance limitAircraft stops at limit — not geo-zone.
- Geo-zone / flight restrictedApp prevents take-off — NFZ or authorization zone.
- Remote ID errorEU Remote ID inactive or operator number not set.
- Drone won't armMotors won't spin — arming blocked by app or FC.
9. Overheating (2)
2 guides in Overheating with symptoms, causes and fixes.
10. Related tools
Frequently asked questions
- How many fault guides are in this hub?
- Currently 42 individual fault guides plus this hub index. New guides are added based on pilot queries and manufacturer docs.
- Can I fly without GPS?
- Yes VLOS in Open category, but RTH and position hold won't work. Commercial ops often require GPS.
- Where to check flight zones in Lithuania?
- Use TKA / utm.ans.lt map — DJI geo may differ from official restriction.
Authority & sources
A2STS Editorial · Reviewed by: EASA UAS syllabus aligned