Preliminary R/C Accident report from the National R/C Accident Investigation Board (NRCAIB), lead investigator, David Herron.

On 17 September 2016, at approximately 11:58 central daylight savings time, in VFR conditions, a recently completed PAU Dalton, piloted by a highly experienced RC pilot, (or at least he thinks he is) crashed 1500 feet northeast of the OMAC model aircraft field in Newcastle, Ok. The aircraft sustained major damage, with exception to all control surface servos, resulting in a total hull loss. No persons or property at the crash site were injured or damaged.

On site investigator determined that all aircraft major components were located at the crash site. Due to the substantial aircraft damage, it was impossible to determine the continuity of aircraft control system wiring. The wiring appeared normal with exception to impact damage. One of the aircraft batteries burned but and the fire was contained to the battery and its resting location in the crash site.

The RC pilot reported everything seemed normal. At approximately three minutes into the flight, a Cuban eight maneuver was performed. On the 45 degree down-line, a half roll was commanded but the aircraft failed to stop rolling regardless to pilot transmitter inputs. The engine was commanded to the idle position and did not respond. The aircraft continued its roll until impact. Upon impact, the transmitter loss of signal warning was activated.

The aircraft was equipped with a Jetibox 200 and three R3/RSW receivers. The radio system was a Jeti Duplex DS16 2.4GHz. All components used were new and previously unused. The aircraft power was provide by two Duralite 5000mHA A123 Sentinel batteries. Servos were Savox 2230SG. Ignition cutoff was controlled by twoTech-Aero Designs Ultra IBEC. The power plant was a DA 200L with KS 95 canisters.

The aircraft had standard Jeti telemetry data available plus four CHT’s and RPM senors. The fail safe feature had not been set up. The initial review of the telemetry data indicates no loss of power from either of the onboard batteries or signal loss to either onboard receiver’s. Jeti USA has been invited to participate in the investigation and the telemetry data has been sent to Jeti USA for further examination…

Flight number 22 was when the crash resulted.

The Dalton flew fantastic! Very little trim work was required because the airplane was manufactured straight and square. The DA 200 pulled the aircraft fantastic. It's a purpose built precision aerobatic airplane and it lives up to its name and reputation In flying qualities.

Sucks to lose a plane like that and not be able to know exactly what happened. Glad to hear you liked how it flew.

Wow thats brutal, I have never seen such a mess and its always my fear in this size.

Maybe when Esprit Models is off the other radio threads he can provide some insight.

Do you have pics of where/how the antenna were mounted?

The antennas were mounted in the aft compartment of the hatch. One in the X axis and the other in the Y axis. That section has balsa sides and stick bottom with covering on it. Transmitter data shows no signal loss to both antennas

Originally Posted by sticnrudder

The antennas were mounted in the aft compartment of the hatch. One in the X axis and the other in the Y axis. That section has balsa sides and stick bottom with covering on it. Transmitter data shows no signal loss to both antennas

Was there no signal loss up to the uncontrolled spin or the impact? Also were ibecs being used?

Sorry to see this

Maybe he flipped into IFR Flight Mode.

Ugh, hate to see such a total loss like this.

Makes you stop and think about how much time and money all this stuff costs and how it could be reduced to a pile of useless hardware in a blink of an eye..it does for me.

Man that seriously sucks. That's why I got insurance on mine. Figured I would have it covered for a year or two. If your looking for a new one quick I can build a crate and ship mine to you
https://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/...d.php?t=202515

Interested to know how you insure it.

What's the premium and what's the clauses?

It would seem......What we have here, is a failure to communicate! (TX to RX anyway!)

Sorry for your loss, that sucks!!

Astro

Originally Posted by rodders

Interested to know how you insure it.

What's the premium and what's the clauses?

State Farm. It is insured from fire, theft, vandalism under home owners. A crash is under its own premium. $180.00 a year for that. But they need receipts and documents to support the insured price.

Originally Posted by jamesrxx951

State Farm. It is insured from fire, theft, vandalism under home owners. A crash is under its own premium. $180.00 a year for that. But they need receipts and documents to support the insured price.

cool!
had no idea
We have state farm as well and a couple pricey planes.
I'll mention this to my wife. $180 a year is nothing.

Now the next question...what's the fine print?

Originally Posted by Eganwp

Maybe he flipped into IFR Flight Mode.

IFR = Irretrievable Flight Recovery
Never a good day when you have to return home and tell the misses ya put $8k in the dust ......oh the pain, but we've all been there and know the feeling
Sorry for the loss mate