Safety & tech

Flyaway and wrong RTH

Aircraft flies away or RTH lands in wrong place. Common on: DJI Mini/Mavic/Air, Autel, FPV with GPS module (BN-220, M10), INAV GPS rescue.

A2STS editorial12 min read

Contents

Overview

Aircraft flies away or RTH lands in wrong place.

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

Symptoms

Typical "Flyaway and wrong RTH" signs in flight, app or OSD:

  • RTH lands in wrong location
  • Aircraft flies against stick input
  • Home Point changed after take-off
  • Log satellite count, HDOP and RTH status before arming.

Common causes

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

  • Home Point set on moving platform (boat, car)
  • Magnetic interference — wrong coordinates
  • Failsafe RTH with weak GPS
  • Wrong compass heading — ATTI flyaway

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.

  • Before flight: confirm Home Point on map.
  • Do not use RTH from moving vehicle without dynamic home update.
  • Flyaway — switch ATTI, manual control, land immediately if possible.
  • After incident — compass/GPS check and flight log analysis.

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:

  • Home Point check ritual
  • Spotter in large areas

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to fly with "Flyaway and wrong RTH"?
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 “Flyaway and wrong RTH” 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