Safety & tech

Find a lost drone

Aircraft down — how to search using last known position. Common on: DJI Mini/Mavic/Air, Autel, FPV with GPS module (BN-220, M10), INAV GPS rescue.

A2STS editorial12 min read

Contents

Overview

Aircraft down — how to search using last known position.

Common on: DJI Mini/Mavic/Air, Autel, FPV with GPS module (BN-220, M10), INAV GPS rescue.

Symptoms

Typical "Find a lost drone" signs in flight, app or OSD:

  • RTH failed
  • Battery dead mid-search
  • Last known point in app
  • Log satellite count, HDOP and RTH status before arming.

Common causes

Before replacing parts, rule out software, mechanical and environmental causes:

  • Flyaway
  • Wind drift ATTI
  • Crash in vegetation

Tools needed

Prepare before diagnostics — saves time in the field:

  • Open area away from metal
  • DJI Fly / Pilot or Betaflight Configurator
  • Flight log export

Step-by-step fix

Work safely: battery off when working on ESC/motors; props removed; after repair — VLOS test flight.

  • DJI Find My Drone / flight log last coordinates.
  • Search grid from last point; listen for beeper if FPV.
  • Check local regulations before entering private land.

Additional diagnostics

Log satellite count, HDOP and RTH status before arming.

Compare behaviour indoors vs outdoors — confirms GPS limitation.

FPV: Betaflight GPS tab — baud 57600/115200, mag alignment.

When to contact service

If any of the following apply — do not fly and contact authorised service:

  • GPS still shows no satellites after calibration and firmware update.
  • After crash — physical GPS antenna or cable damage.
  • Compass wrong even in open field — service required.

Prevention

Prevention reduces failure risk and supports EASA Open / VLOS compliance:

  • Beeper on FPV builds
  • Fly with spotter

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to fly with "Find a lost drone"?
No if the fault affects navigation, power, ESC or link. Fix on the ground first, then conduct a VLOS test flight in open area.
How long does diagnosis take?
Most “Find a lost drone” cases — 15–45 min on the ground. Complex ones (firmware, hardware) may need 1–2 h and service.
Must I register repair with the NAA?
No mandatory repair registration, but a maintenance log is recommended for commercial operations.

Authority & sources

A2STS Editorial · Reviewed by: EASA UAS syllabus aligned