Draco Lost in Takeoff Accident

Pia Bergqvist

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 01:59 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Mike Patey's highly popular and unique super STOL aircraft, "Draco," was totaled in a takeoff accident at Reno-Stead after the National Championship Air Races.
Patey explicitly stated the crash was due to pilot error, admitting he chose to take off on a runway with strong, gusty crosswinds, leading to the plane becoming uncontrollable.
Despite the complete destruction of the turbine-powered aircraft, Patey, his wife, and another passenger walked away from the incident unharmed.

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The stunning super STOL favorite, Draco, was totaled in a takeoff accident this week as owner Mike Patey attempted to leave Reno-Stead after the National Championship Air Races.