Drone Rescue Mairangi Bay: DJI Stuck in a Norfolk Pine

Flying a drone near tall coastal trees can go wrong very quickly. In this case, the drone owner could still see the aircraft high in the tree, but there was no sensible way to reach it from the ground.

He sent us a photo of the Norfolk pine with the drone’s position marked. That gave us enough information to understand the likely height, access and general difficulty before attending. The drone was eventually recovered safely and returned to its owner.

A Drone High in a Mairangi Bay Norfolk Pine

Norfolk pines are a familiar sight around Auckland’s coastline. They can grow tall, with long tiers of branches and relatively open outer growth. That structure is great at catching an off-course drone, but it can make retrieval difficult.

This drone had landed high in the canopy, away from anything that could be reached safely with a normal ladder. Its lights were still visible later in the day, making its location easier to confirm, but visibility did not make the climb itself straightforward.

Why This Was an Arborist Job

Once a drone is above safe ladder height, the problem is not simply reaching upwards. Someone needs to understand the tree, establish a suitable climbing system and move through the canopy without dislodging the drone or creating a fall risk.

Shaun climbed the Norfolk pine using professional arborist rope-access equipment. From inside the canopy he was able to reach the drone, free it from the branches and bring it safely back to the ground.

Hardfell’s arborists work in tall and difficult trees every day. The same practical skills used for professional tree pruning and technical access work can also be used when a drone, kite or even an animal becomes stranded in a tree.

What Should You Do When a Drone Is Stuck in a Tree?

First, avoid turning a lost drone into an injury. Do not climb a tall tree without the right training and equipment. Throwing heavy objects, using long poles or placing a ladder against flexible branches can also damage the drone, the tree or someone below.

Take several clear photos instead. One should show the entire tree and surrounding area. A second photo should show the drone’s position as closely as possible. Include the address, approximate height and any obvious hazards such as power lines, buildings or a busy public area.

With that information, we can usually give you a useful initial indication before travelling to the site.

How Much Does Drone Retrieval Cost?

For a complete explanation of the service, coverage areas and common questions, visit our dedicated drone rescue and retrieval Auckland page.