OSAKA - One of the main attractions at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the "flying car," experienced an unexpected malfunction, raising concerns about safety and delaying its return to operation.
At a press conference held by the Expo Association after 3 p.m. on April 28th, reporters pressed officials for answers. Jun Takashina, Deputy Secretary-General of the Expo Association, said: "In terms of a concrete timeline for resumption, we are not yet in a position to say."
With no prospect for resuming flights in sight, social media was abuzz with speculation about the incident, with some claiming that "it looked like some object was thrown" at the aircraft when the damage occurred.
Video footage captured the moment of the mishap. Around 3 p.m. on April 26th, large crowds had gathered near the site to watch the flying car’s demonstration flight. As the pilot waved back at the enthusiastic spectators, a loud noise erupted, and one of the propellers detached from the body of the aircraft. On closer inspection, another component could be seen falling as well.
The flying car immediately descended and made an emergency landing. In another video, the pilot could be seen quickly returning his hand to the control stick after hearing the sound of the damage.
Fortunately, the flight took place in a restricted area where spectators were not allowed, and no injuries were reported.
The flying car, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, represents a next-generation mobility solution and had been promoted as a key attraction of the Expo.
The aircraft involved in the incident was the "HEXA," developed and manufactured by the American company Lift Aircraft. In the United States, commercialization of the HEXA is reportedly approaching.
On social media, some users suggested that "it looked like some object was thrown" at the vehicle. Reviewing the footage shows something seemingly crossing from left to right just before the propeller detaches. However, in video from another angle, no such object is visible; instead, broken parts of the vehicle appear to be flying off.
Kan Nakano of Keio University's SDM Research Institute commented: "From the video, it could look like a stone-like object was flying toward the craft, but nothing is certain. This aircraft has already been flying frequently, so metal fatigue or mechanical failure could also be possible causes."
The Expo Association announced on April 28th that operations will be suspended for the time being, and no timeline for resumption has been set.
Marubeni, the major trading company responsible for operating the flying car, commented: "We will investigate all possible causes."
Source: FNN
