Jeven Dovey’s Mavic 4 Pro Crash During Eastern Sierras Trip
Adventure filmmaker Jeven Dovey experienced a significant setback during a three-day overland shoot in California’s Eastern Sierras when his DJI Mavic 4 Pro crashed. The incident occurred on the second morning of the trip while Dovey was flying the drone in Sport mode with obstacle avoidance disabled. The drone collided with a tree, resulting in the gimbal being torn off the airframe. Dovey documented the crash in a video shared on his YouTube channel, which highlighted the challenges faced during the trip, including delays and equipment issues.
Details of the Trip
Dovey was accompanied by fellow creators Jake Sloan and Levi Allen. The group began their journey at the Trona Pinnacles, intending to travel north through Alabama Hills and into the mountains above Bishop, all while racing against an approaching storm. Dovey had meticulously planned the route using OnX Off-Road and aimed to capture high-quality footage, particularly with the new Antigravity A1 drone and the recently received DJI Neo 2.
Challenges Faced
- Vehicle Issues: Each vehicle in the group encountered problems, causing delays. Levi’s GMC Sierra EV, which was not equipped for off-road conditions, required frequent charging stops. Jake’s rented vehicle developed a battery issue, and Dovey’s Jeep slid off a sandy trail, necessitating recovery efforts.
- Campsite Closures: The group found that many dispersed camping sites in Alabama Hills were closed, leading to additional delays as they sought alternative locations.
Mavic 4 Pro Crash in Sport Mode
On the second day of the trip, Dovey attempted to capture footage of Levi’s truck driving down a dirt road at sunrise. While flying the Mavic 4 Pro in Sport mode, he clipped a tree, which disabled the drone’s obstacle avoidance features. Dovey acknowledged the mistake, noting that he had previously experienced crashes but had never seen a gimbal completely detach from the drone. The damage was extensive, with destroyed propellers and a severed gimbal.
Issues with the DJI Neo 2
Dovey’s attempts to fly the DJI Neo 2 at the Trona Pinnacles also faced complications. The drone arrived with a Chinese-language interface and required activation via a mobile device, which delayed its use. Firmware updates were slower than anticipated, and by the time the Neo 2 was operational, the sun was setting, forcing the group to move on.
Post-Trip Complications
After the trip, Dovey sent the damaged Mavic 4 Pro to DJI for repairs. Although the drone was fixed and returned, it was lost in transit by FedEx. Dovey has not disclosed whether he will file a claim for the lost package or how he plans to address the situation.
Gear Management After the Trip
Upon returning home, Dovey began selling off some of his camera equipment. The trip involved over twenty cameras among the three creators, including the Antigravity A1, Neo 2, Mavic 4 Pro, and various other filming devices. Dovey expressed that managing such a large amount of gear can be overwhelming and that only a few essential items are necessary to effectively tell a story.
Conclusion
The experiences shared by Dovey reflect common challenges faced by drone pilots, particularly when operating in Sport mode, which prioritizes speed over safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved in drone filmmaking, especially in complex environments. Additionally, the complications with FedEx highlight ongoing concerns regarding service reliability in the drone repair process.