diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/land.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/land.cpp
index 8ff00d4485..ad242d10a3 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/land.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/land.cpp
@@ -65,6 +65,12 @@ Land::on_activation()
 
 	// reset cruising speed to default
 	_navigator->reset_cruising_speed();
+
+	// set gimbal to neutral position (level with horizon) to reduce change of damage on landing
+	_navigator->acquire_gimbal_control();
+	_navigator->set_gimbal_neutral();
+	_navigator->release_gimbal_control();
+
 }
 
 void
diff --git a/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp b/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp
index 922c02b9d0..6bac232f34 100644
--- a/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp
+++ b/src/modules/navigator/rtl.cpp
@@ -256,6 +256,11 @@ void RTL::on_activation()
 	default:
 		break;
 	}
+
+	// set gimbal to neutral position (level with horizon) to reduce change of damage on landing
+	_navigator->acquire_gimbal_control();
+	_navigator->set_gimbal_neutral();
+	_navigator->release_gimbal_control();
 }
 
 void RTL::on_active()