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Flying Car Crashes During Test Run

The Detroit Flying Cars WD-1 prototype suffered substantial damage during a test flight at the Willow Run Airport. Detroit Flying Car/Facebook
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Detroit Flying Cars' WD-1 prototype experienced an unplanned liftoff and hard impact during a high-speed taxi test on December 14, causing substantial damage.
  • The incident occurred at Willow Run Airport with owner/designer Sanjay Dhall piloting, who was subsequently transported to the hospital.
  • Despite only planning to lift the front wheels, the aircraft unexpectedly took flight, marking a setback in its cautious testing program.
  • The company plans to repair the damaged WD-1 and continue its development, aiming for a flying car capable of 125 mph air speeds and 400-mile range.
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While the flying car is not a new concept, with the first example emerging in the 1940s, no company has of yet succeeded in producing a viable model. However, there are several companies currently working hard at the idea. This week, Detroit, Michigan-based Detroit Flying Cars had a mishap during a test flight, causing major damage to the aircraft.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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