Register

Vertical Aerospace Shares Details on eVTOL Crash, Gears Up for Crewed Testing

The company explained what went wrong during the August accident, and it plans the next phase of testing for 2024.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL prototype crashed during uncrewed testing due to a propeller blade failure caused by degraded adhesive bonding, which unexpectedly disrupted the aircraft's internal communication (CAN bus) and degraded motor power.
  • The company attributes the crash to early-generation technology and plans to proceed with certification activities, introducing an upgraded "Aircraft Two" prototype with redesigned propellers and refined systems for crewed testing in early 2024.
  • Despite the incident, Vertical Aerospace maintains its 2026 certification target, though the crash adds pressure to its timeline and highlights its financial disadvantages compared to competitors, despite having a large order backlog.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, awaiting the green light for entry into service, are going through the wringer of flight testing globally in the name of safety. So, on the rare occasion when one crashes, there will be some questions—and an ensuing investigation depending on where the accident occurred.

Vertical Aerospace, whose VX4 preproduction prototype eVTOL air taxi crashed during uncrewed testing last month, has some answers. The U.K.-based manufacturer on Thursday revealed what caused its aircraft to tumble from about 30 feet in the air onto the runway surface at Cotswold Airport (EGBP).

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE