Tag Archives: fpv crash repair

Introduction
If you fly FPV, you crash. It’s part of the learning curve — and it’s how we improve. But what matters most isn’t avoiding crashes, it’s how fast you can recover and get back in the air.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 5 essential FPV repair and troubleshooting tips every pilot should know, especially after a hard landing or crash. Don’t panic — fix, learn, fly again.

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1. Visual Inspection First

After a crash, don’t immediately plug in the battery. Do a thorough check:

• Are any arms, mounts, or propellers broken?

• Are motors spinning freely (no grass or sand inside)?

• Are any wires disconnected or bent pins visible?

• Is the camera or VTX loose?

Take photos if needed — it helps with identifying bent or missing parts.

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2. Replace Props, Always

Even if a propeller looks fine, replace it after a crash. Cracks or slight warping can cause:

• Vibration

• Oscillation

• Motor overheat

• Unpredictable flying

Props are cheap — never trust a crashed one.

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3. Motor & ESC Testing

If a motor makes grinding noises, remove the prop and spin it by hand.

• If rough: bearing may be damaged

• If wobbly: bell might be bent

• If no spin at all: test ESC connection or replace motor

Use Betaflight motors tab to test individually — but only with props off.

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4. Check for Hidden Shorts or Smoke

Before powering back up:

• Smell for burnt components

• Look for black marks or melted solder

• Use a smoke stopper when plugging in again

• Use multimeter to check for shorts between power pads

One mistake can fry your stack — safety first.

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5. Frame Alignment & Vibration Control

After impact, your frame may have shifted. Check for:

• Bent arms or twisted top plate

• Loose screws or standoffs

• Damaged TPU mounts for camera or antenna

• Any jello in footage — may be from bent motors or frame imbalance

Tighten all bolts, re-level the stack, and balance your new props.

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Conclusion
Crashing is just part of FPV life. With the right repair mindset and a few essential tools, you’ll save both money and frustration. Each repair is a lesson — and every rebuilt quad flies better.

Introduction
Crashing — or as we say in FPV, “crashing gloriously” — is part of the learning process. Whether it’s your first flight or your hundredth, FPV drones are built to crash, repair, and fly again. But how you respond to a crash can make the difference between a quick fix and a long downtime.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step post-crash checklist, common issues and how to fix them, basic tools you should always have, and when it’s okay to fly again.

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1. Stay Calm and Check the Area

• First, retrieve your drone safely — watch out for water, traffic, or people.

• Remove the battery immediately to prevent fire risk.

• Check for any damage to people, property, or surroundings.

• If using a GPS drone, record the GPS log or playback to review the crash.

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2. Basic Post-Crash Checklist

Start with a visual inspection, then go deeper if needed:

• ✅ Props: Cracked or bent? Replace immediately.

• ✅ Arms/Frame: Check for cracks, delamination, or loose screws.

• ✅ Motors: Spin each motor by hand. Any resistance = replace or open for cleaning.

• ✅ Wires: Look for disconnected or pinched wires.

• ✅ Camera & VTX: Check for loose connectors or signal loss.

• ✅ Flight Controller: Are the LEDs still lighting up as normal?

If all checks pass, you can test-power the drone without props on the bench.

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3. Common Issues & Quick Fixes

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4. Tools Every FPV Pilot Should Carry

• 🔧 1.5mm/2mm/2.5mm hex drivers

• 🔌 Spare props and prop wrench

• 🔎 Magnifying glass or loupe

• 🔋 Multimeter (for voltage checks)

• 🔩 Soldering iron + flux + wire

• 🔧 Zip ties, electrical tape, M3 screws

• 💻 USB cable + Betaflight configurator

Optional: Motor bell puller, hot glue, spare ESC/FC stack for quick swap.

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5. When Is It Safe to Fly Again?

✅ All systems tested ✅ No abnormal heat ✅ Props balanced ✅ Motors spin free ✅ Radio link stable ✅ Video feed working
Only then — test hover slowly in a safe area, preferably over grass. If anything feels odd, land and recheck immediately.

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Conclusion
Crashing is normal, but learning to repair is what builds real skill. With a basic checklist, a few tools, and some patience, even beginners can keep their drones in the air and out of the repair bin. Remember: every crash is a lesson — and every repair makes you a better pilot.