Watch video of craft crashing in city center

This video is a prefect example of what NOT to do – ever.

  1. There is no perimeter or safety zone – onlookers are only meters away.
  2. The street is still open to foot traffic and vehicle traffic.
  3. The pilot or the spotter is wearing FPV glasses from take off.
  4. The pilot does not have his eyes on this craft – he is unaware that one of the engines (closest to the pilot – see at 0.58 sec in this clip) is burning up already only two meters off the ground. He does not see this – instead he opens a full throttle climb.
  5. A failing engine is the cause of this uncontrollable yaw in a confined space, the pilot has lost orientation and the craft can no longer fly as it should.

This classic example of why regulations are being enforced around the world is an opportunity for all those using these craft for commercial aerial work to take note of how easily a tragedy can happen.

Fortunately, the only damage was to the property of these two less than professional operators.

Use quality components (this is why we have always recommend AXi engines – which carry a factory two year warranty). Check your gear – before each flight, and check your gear after each flight, including feeling the temperature of each engine with your hand after landing. One hot engine means it is failing – or the propeller is grossly unbalanced.  Two or more warmer engines on the same side mean that the craft is not correctly weighted and balanced.

Always carry out a hover test in front of you before you fly your planned path; forward – backward – left – right – up – down – hover – GPS hold – height and position hold – perform a thrust test and return to base for a quick check. When you are satisfied the craft is performing normally, continue.  This will also give your craft a brief opportunity, whilst in close proximity to your eyes, to show if there are any signs of abnormality.