An experimental aircraft crashed in Gila Bend, Arizona, resulting in one fatality and one person being hospitalized with serious injuries. The aircraft, described as a "motorcycle with wings," was an Amateur Built Air Creation Twin. The NTSB will investigate the crash, with factors such as weather and pilot experience being considered. This is the second experimental aircraft crash this year, and the NTSB is expected to be at the scene on Monday.
A pilot has died after an 'experimental homebuilt' Vans RV8 plane crashed shortly after departing from Corona Municipal Airport in California. The wreckage of the single-engine aircraft was completely obliterated, and the cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board. The identity of the pilot has not been confirmed.
This article highlights 12 of the weirdest X-plane designs, showcasing the innovative and unconventional aircraft developed by NASA and other organizations. From the Stiletto, a supersonic aircraft resembling a plague doctor's mask, to the X-57 Maxwell, NASA's first all-electric plane, these X-planes push the boundaries of flight. Other notable designs include the Bell X-5 with variable wing sweep, the Grumman X-29 with forward-swept wings, and the X-15, a rocket-powered plane that set records for speed and altitude. The article also mentions ongoing projects like the X-59 QueSST, a supersonic plane designed to fly without a sonic boom.
Samson Sky's Switchblade flying car has successfully completed its first flight, reaching an altitude of 500 feet and staying airborne for six minutes. The three-wheeled vehicle, which requires a private pilot's license to fly and a driver's or motorcycle license to drive, can reach a maximum airspeed of 200 mph and a driving speed of 125+ mph. With a flying range of 450 miles, the Switchblade can take off from any airport and transform into a land-based vehicle within three minutes. Despite high demand, the flying car won't be available for another two years, with over 2,300 reservations already made. Prices range from $170,000 to $195,000, and safety features include a full vehicle parachute.
A small plane, an experimental Berkut 540 on its first-ever flight, crashed near the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. The pilot lost power and attempted an emergency landing on a road, hitting a sign and ending up in a driveway. There were no injuries, but a minor fuel leak occurred. The investigation is ongoing.
