Flying FPV drones is thrilling, but let’s be honest—crashes are part of the game. Whether you’re a beginner still practicing or an experienced pilot pushing limits, you’ll eventually face broken parts. Knowing which FPV drone parts are most likely to break (and how to fix them) will save you money, time, and frustration.
This guide covers the top components that usually fail, why they break, and how you can repair or replace them efficiently.
Which FPV Drone Parts are Most Likely to Break?
Propellers
Propellers are the most susceptible to breaking, especially on 5-inch quadcopters or long-range FPV drones. Without any protection, they’re prone to breaking upon impact. However, cinewhoop drones with protected props are less fragile. Fortunately, propellers are inexpensive and easy to replace, making it a simple fix if one gets damaged. Detailed guide on: Tutorial Propellers: Choose Best Suitable Propellers for Your FPV
- Why they break: Props take the first hit in almost every crash. Hard landings, tree branches, or concrete surfaces can easily chip or bend them.
- How to check: Look for cracks, bends, or unusual vibrations during flight.
- Fix/Replace: Props are inexpensive—replace them rather than repair. Always keep spare sets in your field bag.
Motors
FPV drones often reach high speeds, putting strain on the motors. After crashes, motors may not last long. MEPS motors are known for their durability, offering efficient unibell motors that withstand crashes better than others on the market. How to Choose FPV Drone Motor: A Detailed Guide
- Why they break: Bent shafts, damaged bearings, or dirt entering after a crash.
- How to check: Spin motors by hand—if you feel grinding or resistance, it’s time to replace.
- Fix/Replace: Bearings can be swapped, but often it’s more efficient to replace the motor.
Frames’ Arms
Frame’s arms, typically made of carbon fiber, are also vulnerable to breaking as they bear the brunt of crashes. Choosing a frame with separate arms instead of a unibody design allows for easier replacement when damage occurs, ensuring the longevity of your drone. Choose the Best FPV Drone Frame : A Complete Guide
- Why they break: Carbon fiber is strong, but direct impact on arms during a crash can lead to cracks or full breaks.
- How to check: Inspect for hairline cracks near motor mounts or stress points.
- Fix/Replace: Minor cracks can sometimes be reinforced with epoxy, but full replacement is the best option.
Flight Controller (FC)
- Why they break: Sensitive electronics can burn out due to impact, moisture, or short-circuits.
- How to check: Random reboots, no arming, or unstable flight behavior.
- Fix/Replace: Minor solder repairs are possible, but replacement ensures reliability.
FPV Camera & VTX
- Why they break: A direct front hit can crack the camera lens or damage VTX antenna ports.
- How to check: Blurry or no video feed.
- Fix/Replace: Replace lens covers if cracked; damaged cameras usually need full replacement.
Antennas
- Why they break: Both the receiver (RX) and video transmitter (VTX) antennas are small, exposed, and often stick out from the drone frame. During crashes, they can bend, snap, or even get ripped off completely.
- How to check: After a crash, inspect the antenna base and connector. A damaged antenna usually results in a poor video signal or a reduced radio link range.
- Fix/Replace: If the connector is intact, you may simply replace the antenna wire. For broken connectors or torn antennas, a full replacement is recommended. Consider using TPU antenna mounts or heat shrink for extra protection.
Here is Things You Need to Considerate When You Choose FPV Antenna
Comparison Table of Common FPV Drone Breakages
| Part | Damage Frequency | Repair Difficulty | Cost Level | Replace or Repair? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propellers | Very High | Easy | Low | Replace |
| Frame Arms | High | Medium | Medium | Replace |
| Motors | Medium | Medium/Hard | Medium | Replace |
| Flight Controller | Medium | Hard | High | Replace |
| Camera & VTX | Medium | Medium | Medium | Replace/Repair |
| Antennas | Medium | Easy | Low | Replace |
Safety Tips for Protecting Your FPV Drone from Damage
Check for Short Circuits with a Multimeter
Before taking your drone for its first flight, use a multimeter to check for any potential short circuits. Plugging in the battery for the first time can sometimes lead to sparks and smoke, indicating a short circuit. While these may not harm you physically, they can certainly damage your flight controller or ESC, leading to costly repairs. Taking this precautionary step acts as insurance to safeguard your investment in this hobby.
Secure Wires During Assembly
Ensure that all wires are securely fastened during the assembly process. Loose wires pose a risk of being cut by the propellers, especially during crashes when the drone’s components may become unstable. Even wires that seem out of reach of the propellers can unexpectedly come into contact with them during a crash. Use zip ties, ribbons, and tapes to secure all wires firmly in place, minimizing the risk of damage.
Avoid Mounting Propellers Until Tuning is Complete
Wait until you’ve finished tuning your drone before mounting the propellers or allowing them to spin during the tuning process. Propellers can be highly destructive when rotating, posing a significant safety hazard. By delaying the mounting of propellers until tuning is complete, you reduce the risk of accidental damage to your drone or injury to yourself.
FAQ
Q1: How often should I replace FPV propellers?
After any crash or when visible cracks/bends appear.
Q2: What’s the most expensive part to break?
Flight controllers and HD cameras usually cost the most to replace.
Q3: Can antennas affect flight performance if slightly bent?
Yes. Even small bends or cracks in antennas can weaken signal strength and cause mid-flight dropouts.
Q4: How can I make my FPV drone more crash-resistant?
Use stronger frames, motor protectors, and invest in quality electronics with protective mounting.
Conclusion
FPV drone flying is a thrilling and rewarding hobby, but it comes with its risks. Propellers, motors, frames’ arms, and antennas are the most vulnerable parts that can break during flights or crashes. By taking precautionary steps such as checking for short circuits, securing wires, and delaying propeller mounting until tuning is complete, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Being aware of these potential issues and implementing these safety tips will help you enjoy your FPV drone flying experience while minimizing downtime and repair costs.