Aircraft Reportedly Became Airborne, Impacted Terrain

The pilot of an experimental flying car was injured Friday when the vehicle unexpectedly became airborne during a taxi test and impacted terrain.

Television station WXYZ reports that the accident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. local time at Willow Run Airport (KYIP) in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The pilot, Detroit Flying Cars founder Sanjay Dhaal, was injured in the accident and transported to University of Michigan Medical Center. He was later moved to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor and listed in stable condition.

The FAA granted a special airworthiness certificate to Detroit Flying Cars in July, according to the company's Facebook page. "Now we can start testing its flying characteristics. But we will be approaching it cautiously," the company posted at the time. Previous taxi tests had been conducted in June, according to the Facebook page, including at least one with the wings of the vehicle fully extended.

The two-place carbon-construction vehicle runs on a 100 hp aircraft engine when flying and a hybrid electric motor on the road. The aircraft specifications include:

• Wing span: 26 feet
• Length: 16 feet
• Wing loading: 12 lbs/sq. Ft.
• Power: 100 hp
• Power Source: Internal combustion engine
• Cruising speed: 125 mph
• Range: 400 miles
• Max gross wt: 1500 lbs
• Empty weight: 1000 lbs
• Full vehicle parachute

According to the company, in-wheel motors provide direct power to wheels, obviating need for heavy transmission components. Steering is through the application of electronic differential power to individual wheels. Instruments are displayed on digital displays and switch automatically when switching from Flight to Drive mode. The destination coordinates lead to flight planning automatically when switching to Flight mode.

(Image from company video of taxi test)

FMI: Source Report, detroitflyingcars.com