Crash-Damage Triage

Repair Wiki
Bench-testedFree estimatesAkron, OH
Public Safety Wiki
Crash, water & damage

Crash-damage triage

Often it can be repaired. The only way to know what's damaged is a bench inspection, and the estimate is free. Here's what to do right now.

Last reviewed Oct 27, 2026 2 linked sources Service first. No sales pitch.
First 5 minutes

Right after a crash

  1. Now

    Power it off

    Turn off the aircraft and remove the battery.
  2. Now

    Don't fly it

    Hidden damage can cause a second crash.
  3. Next

    Photograph it

    Take photos of the damage and keep any broken pieces.
  4. Next

    Keep the logs

    Don't reset the aircraft or controller.
  5. Then

    Start a repair

    Tell the shop what happened.

Source: [1]

Watch out
Retire a crashed battery
DJI's battery guidelines say not to use a battery again if it was involved in a crash or heavy impact. [2]
Inspection

What the bench looks for

Arms & frame

Cracks, loose arms, broken shells.

Gimbal & camera

Bent gimbal, damaged ribbon cables, cracked lens.

Motors & props

Grit, rubbing, bent shafts.

Sensors

Vision, obstacle and positioning sensors.

Boards & wiring

Damage you can't see from outside.

Controller

Sticks, screen and antennas if it was dropped.

Source: [1]

FAQ

Crash questions

Is it worth repairing?
After the inspection you hear what was found and whether repair or replacement makes more sense, before any work starts. [1] Repair or replace.
Can you help with an insurance claim?
Yes. You can get a written estimate and damage findings to send to your insurer. Your insurer decides the claim. [1]
It still flies. Should I send it anyway?
If it drifts, vibrates, shows warnings or sounds different, stop flying and send it in. [1]
What about my batteries?
Keep batteries with you. Do not ship them. [1]

Repair Wiki on Revere Tactical Technologies. Repairs are performed by Ohio Drone Repair in Akron, Ohio; repair links open on ohiodronerepair.com. Not affiliated with any drone manufacturer.

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