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When I took the GUE DPV 1 training we where taught some things you can to regain control in case of a runaway DPV. We also practiced this a couple of times. Starting slow, increasing to full speed on second or third attempt. It was fun, but also a pretty frightening experience. Even in a controlled situation.
An option was retrieving the DPV by pulling on the tow leash and/or grabbing the prop with your hands on both sides, then keeping it close to your body to slow the DPV down. Once you’re no longer flying all over the place you should try to turn the DPV off.
Or… you can put something in the prop (such as your backup regulator) to make de DPV shut itself down. Someone accidentally found out during the training that this can also be an effective way to fix the problem
To prevent the problem in the first place we where taught to always turn the DPV off when not in use. Exception is an out of gas situation, then it depends but most likely your priority is donating gas (and then turning the DPV off).
Just letting the DPV go is not preferable unless absolutely necessary as they can be pretty expensive devices. So in case of a flooded DPV: if it gets too heavy then just ditch it.
Right, turn off the electrical switch whenever the DPV is out of your hands. The problem is that some older models lack an electrical off switch and might only have a trigger pin or mechanical lock. Like on an original Gavin scooter (still some of those floating around) even if the trigger is pinned the motor could still turn on if something catches on the magnet wheel. So if you have a separate motor speed control or prop pitch adjustment then you should also dial that back to minimum before stowing.
