XPENG AeroHT eVTOLs Collide and Crash at Changchun Airshow, One Injured
Two electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Xpeng AeroHT collided and crashed this afternoon during a demonstration at the Changchun Airshow, Chinese outlet Guancha has learned. The incident resulted in at least one passenger sustaining injuries, who has since been hospitalized. Medical officials confirm the individual's condition is stable and not life-threatening.
The accident occurred on the afternoon of September 16th, sending shockwaves through the ongoing airshow. Eyewitnesses reported the collision before both aircraft descended.
Industry insiders speaking to Observer.com highlighted the inherent complexities of eVTOL operations. They explained that eVTOLs typically feature both autonomous flight and manual (remote) control modes. Potential causes for such an incident could range from flaws in autonomous flight path planning or equipment malfunction in autonomous mode, to human error during manual operation.
"This incident underscores the intricate nature of the low-altitude economy's operating environment," an industry expert stated, emphasizing the critical need for extreme caution and meticulous safety protocols across the entire sector.
As of the time of this report, the precise cause of the collision remains undetermined. Authorities are expected to launch a thorough investigation to gather evidence and ascertain the factors contributing to the accident. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
