An 88-year-old Russian man has died after his homemade helicopter “self-destructed” while he was flying it.
According to a report by CNN, Vladimir Trapeznikov was known by locals for building his own aircraft. He was a resident of the Omutninsky district in Western Russia. The outlet explains that Trapeznikov attempted to fly his homemade helicopter on July 31. However, the Volga Region Transport Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release the following day that “the helicopter self-destructed during takeoff.”
CNN explains that district emergency services said, “During engine startup, while still on the ground and as the engine power was building, the main rotor blades detached. This caused injuries to the pilot, born in 1937.”
Emergency services transported him to the Omutninsky District Hospital, but he died hours later. The Prosecutor’s Office reportedly clarified that the helicopter was unregistered. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Russian outlet, the Rossiyskaya Gazeta, shared more details about the incident. The translated report reveals that Trapeznikov was a known aircraft modeler and designer and owned multiple air vehicles. The outlet also claims that Trapeznikov’s takeoff attempt was filmed and posted on social media. Footage reportedly showed the aircraft designer sitting in the pilot seat. One of the blades flew off, destroyed the helicopter, and hit Trapeznikov on the head. His relatives were reportedly present at the test.
The Russian Man Dreamed Of Becoming A Pilot
CNN reports that Vladimir Trapeznikov was a self-taught inventor who dreamed of becoming a pilot. He gained local fame for building aircraft while working as a driver for a logging company. His creations reportedly even landed him a role in a short film in 1985. Trapeznikov allegedly built five air vehicles in total, with the final one claiming his life.
Last month, a family in a small plane crash-landed in Florida. They survived thanks to quick-thinking residents who leaped into action to rescue them. The Cessna T337G caught fire when it hit the ground, with two adults and two children inside. Locals reportedly broke into the plane with an ax and sledgehammer while others hosed down the aircraft to deal with the flames.
The family escaped with minor injuries, although the local mayor pointed out a concerning number of incidents around the airport.