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Revolution Models . CarbonXtreme . Midland Helicopters

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Safety - RC Helis are not toys > NEAT Fair Crash - Statement by Justin's Dad
 
 
red_z06
Key Veteran
Location: Dumont, NJ

Wen Wu is the name of the man who was hit by Justin's Trex600. I was told by the son Vince that his cut (my recollection was 2 to 2.5" across) on the forehead was stitched. There were also 2-3 hairline scratches that were red but not deep enough to bleed from. I do not know how many but that is not important. When I asked him if we could come visit him at the hospital, Vince(his son) told me that he expects his dad to be discharged tomorrow and return home in CT. When I asked him if we can visit him at home to see how well he is doing, he said that it is not necesary and he would keep me updated. He did say that there is temporary vision problem on the swelled eye so he will go see an opthamologyst tomorrow. I do not know if the heli struck him directly or grazed him. He was still sitting in his chair while the heli was behind him by a few feet.

It was an unfortunate incident for everyone but mostly to Mr. Wen Wu. We pray that he will fully recover both mentally and physically.

Account of 11:00am crash:

That morning's flight saw more than usual landings and takeoffs by airplanes during the typical 4min that Justin flies with his Trex600. He proceeded to do a practice flight prior to the Sunday demo.

Justin did about 1-2min flying when a landing call came. He held the heli in hover position until the ground was clear and proceeded to continue for another 30sec or so. A take off call came and I was trying to direct him to put it down. It was difficult to put it down where he normally takeoffs and lands as it was in direct takeoff path and did not know how much closer to put it down. He landed to closer side of the grass runway center and waited for the runway to clear. He then proceeded to takeoff and started back on his manuevers. It was rainbowish maneuver but instead of going from left to right in front of him, it was arcing toward him high above and went over our heads and crashed 5feet past the crowd control net.

The time between last locked position ( as in pop and lock) to crash was less than 1sec from in front of us to behind.

Since we were using 2.4GHz Spektrum, radio lockout will be ruled out.
I do not know if he had control or not for that last 1sec as it was too quick for me to judge or analyze. It maybe pilot error or equipment failure but either case ultimately we are responsible for the injury.

Accident or not, I am very very proud of the way he conducted during all flights. I do not mean the maneuvers themselves but the position where he chose to place the heli during the maneuvers which were always at the grass runway centerline. IMO he conducted himself in the safest manner possible until the crash. He actually complained to me about a pass one demo pilot made with his racer the day before as he did his final turn over the spectatator net on the far end. I had to explain that was necessary due to the narrow field and that he was way past any actual spectators. This and all his actions and placement of the maneuvers proved to me beyond doubt that he was actively placing the heli away from the spectators.

Please put all energy toward praying for quick and full recovery of Mr. Wen Wu. It will not be too late to put the blame on me and Justin afterwards.

Thank you and again Chi family will pray for the speedy and full recovery of Mr. Wen Wu.

I closed the topic.

www.justinchi.com
09-17-2007 06:25 AM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
InvertedDude
Heliman
Location: USA

Keep cool

Stuff happens and I am sure you people are safe.
09-17-2007 06:28 AM
 
 
GimbalFan
Elite Veteran
Location: Copter County, Nv

Benny, we're hoping for the best for Wen Wu, and for your family too.

Those of us who've had the pleasure of meeting you and Justin personally know quite well the great lengths to which you've gone to ingrain safe flying habits into your young boy. We know he's a safer pilot than many of the adults we fly with at RC fields everywhere.

We also knew you'd be upfront with honest info about this incident. We're behind you both 100%, and we hope everyone involved heals quickly.

Quote 
It will not be too late to put the blame on me and Justin afterwards.

It's RC - accidents happen and this will never change. For all we know at this point, it could easily have been an equipment or radio failure of some sort.

Try not to be too hard on yourself, and don't let Justin be either.

op-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-thwõp-t
09-17-2007 06:34 AM
 
 
mjsb
Senior Heliman
Location: Laredo, TX

Ben,

I do not personnaly know you or Justin, since live to far away for the US for now. However I am with you in the pray for Mr. Wen Wu recovering soon.

Later, it will be more than enough time to analyze what went wrong and learn from the experience.

Best regards,
Mauricio

--------------------------
If life turns its back on you....then grab it by the buttocks!
09-17-2007 08:29 AM
 
 
doorman
Elite Veteran
Location: E.Berne, NY

Best Wishes.....

I have been to the event that this happened at and I can tell you that it is a TOUGH field to fly.... narrow, and beyond busy since there are so many flight stations running all at one time.... and it is laid out for airplane flying..... heli's are the "new" added attraction but the same type flight line is used....
I have met the Chi family and have watched Justin and his Dad both fly several times at different events, and always under control and in a very safe manner....and very impressive...
It is ashamed that this "accident" happened, but as mentioned earlier, this is RC and things do happen....
Do we need higher fences, helmets and or body armor.... most likely NOT..... but are the conditions that we are asked to fly under at times the safest possible set up??? That is what is needed to be looked at....
It sounds to me that a demo,type,
flight was being attempted on an active airplane runway and that there was no consideration of possible problems that could be caused, and especially at an event of this type and nature... this show has one of the "loosest" run flight lines that I have ever experienced, and flight "patterns" do not seem to be the norm here, but more the exception.... and I guess this is OK when the event consisted of a bunch of little foamie type planes flying all over the place...the event has totally out grown that and now there are still foamies flying along with Giant Scale 35% and up.... throw in heli's and you have quite the "blender" going.. Is it time for a change here... I for one certainly do think so... and it possibly would have helped to keep this situation from ever happening...

Best wishes and prayers go out for Wen Wu, and the Chi family...all the best for both...but this was an accident, and they do happen...

I do hope that others that were there begin to see what problems can arrive and that someone takes a look at the flight line and some things that might make it a safer venue for ALL pilots and spectators.
And now I am off the soap box!!!!

Stan

If there is a cure for this, please don't tell me about it!!!
09-17-2007 01:18 PM
 
 
mlucia
Senior Heliman
Location: VT

Equipment failure, pilot error it doesnt matter. This type of thing probably happens everyday and goes un-reported. It just happens to be a 5 year old with the flying skills of many vetrans that gets much attention. For good reasons obviously.

Glad no one was seriously hurt but always remember... this could of happened to anyone regardless of age. We are human and DO make mistakes and our equipment is made by humans too...

Hope Mr. Wen Wo heals quick as it sounds like he is fine.
09-17-2007 01:34 PM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
Kinger
Elite Veteran
Location: Columbus, OH

Just curious, how far back were the spectators from the flight line at this event? Based on some pictures I saw on another site, it sure did look like folks were pretty close. With that said though, it could have been the angle of the lens taking the picture that made it appear that way.
09-17-2007 01:43 PM
 
 
whirlyspud
Veteran
Location: USA

I know I will be flamed, but I don't really care what anyone else thinks.

I have no issue with a 5 yr old flying. His flying skills are probably way better than my own, but as a father, there is no way in HELL I would be putting my kid on the flight line at big events such as this one, or Ircha, or any of the other big ones. I've just seen too many bad things happen over the years.

I think this goes well beyond someone simply enjoying the hobby with their son. It is one thing to enjoy the hobby and fly together, but I think this plays to something other than that, and I'm not even going to get into that part of it.

I hope everyone involved recovers soon.

Mike
09-17-2007 02:38 PM
 
 
George Matthews
Key Veteran
Location: N.W. Ohio

Well said Mike.
09-17-2007 03:10 PM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
bagobitz
Veteran
Location: saddleworth,lancs,UK

Anyone attending ANY flying area should be well aware of the risk they take...if you don't want to get burnt,stay away from the fire.

This is not meant to knock the injured spectator or the pilot...just to point out that they should BOTH be aware of the risks.
no-one to blame,both acted responsibly,the toast fell butter-side down. tough! but that's life and the injured gent appears to accept that.
09-17-2007 03:39 PM
 
 
JKos
Elite Veteran
Location: City of California in the state of Maryland

As a father of two, I completely agree with Mike.

> Anyone attending ANY flying area should be well aware of the risk
> they take

Spectators at fun-flys rarely have an understanding of the dangers.

- John

Protos -- Logo 10
09-17-2007 04:06 PM
 
 
willie evans
Veteran
Location: Alberta, Canada

I also agree with mike. (I have 6 children myself)

Unless Mr. chi puts on the buddy box system so that he is Liable or at least get some one qualified.

IMHO the Kid is not good enough and crashes way to much to a be a DEMO pilot, but his Dad is doing a good job making him into a good side line freak show.


Sorry to sound like a hater but being a realist here.


This should be posted on justinchi.com to sound like it's really coming from the heart. As I just stumbled on top of it here, there is a lot of other Heli forums out there and this topic is being covered.


*Thank you for standing up and posting here though*
09-17-2007 04:13 PM
 
 
floop
Senior Heliman
Location: Deptford - Southern, NJ

My prayers go out to the family involved and Justin.

I had the pleasure of meeting Justin and his father at the Gathering and I can say I have extreme respect for their flying style and respect towards safety. Justin’s father actually gave me a few pointers.
Accidents happen and this one was very unfortunate
I hope someday I fly as well as Justin!

IT's what I do.
09-17-2007 05:40 PM
 
 
aceisback
Senior Heliman
Location: Terre Haute, IN

Quote 
IMHO the Kid is not good enough and crashes way to much to a be a DEMO pilot, but his Dad is doing a good job making him into a good side line freak show.

Are you serious ??? Freak show??? Dude, get a life or get out of the hobby. You sound like an old heli hating planker.

Justin is a way better pilot than many other heli pilots out there. Look at how well he PREVENTED an electric heli that had a tail rotor failure from going into the crowd this year at IRCHA. That heli could have been in the crowd if it were in the hands of a more inexperienced pilot.

A buddy box would not be much good for the low level stuff and probably would not have been of any use in this incident.

Justin crashes a lot because he gets out there and flys, not because he is an inexperienced 5 year old kid. If you fly 3D, you ARE going to crash. The other pilots should have given Justin a break, and let him fly his 4 minute routine without any interruption.

Justin, keep up the good work and don't let these idiotic comments bother you. You are a much more accomplished pilot than most.

And Dad, it is awesome at how well you have taught this kid. I saw you two at IRCHA, and Justin is a great kid!
09-17-2007 06:49 PM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
Stu.
Veteran
Location: Abrakebabra Kebab shop

Quote 
]IMHO the Kid is not good enough and crashes way to much to a be a DEMO pilot, but his Dad is doing a good job making him into a good side line freak show

I hate to say it. I tend to agree with his statement. The sheer level of pushing cannot be healthy for any child. To place such an air of responsibility and aiming so hiogh, any failure can and will be disastrous for the psychological welfare of the child.

Not to mention this incident was only a matter of time until it happened.

Sorry to be so straight out about it, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Stu

www.waterfoothelis.com
09-17-2007 06:53 PM
 
 
LouInSD
Veteran
Location: San Diego CA USA

We ALL know that it can happen to any of us, no matter how much experience we have, no matter what age.

Let's get off our high horses for a minute...

The kid is a better pilot than many of us...
09-17-2007 07:18 PM
 
 
AndyH
Key Veteran
Location: San Diego, CA

Off our high horse???

Are you nuts??? This is a reason to be on our "high horse" if I've ever seen one!

How many of you out there would let your 5 year old use a stove? Playwith a light socket? or a soldering iron? or any other dangerous household implement?? huh? WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU LET A 5 YEAR OLD FLY AN RC HELI! What is the matter with you people! This is dangerous hobby and a 5 year old can not possibly comprehend it! And if the kids a super genius (which he's not) it's a sad waste to be wasting it on RC helis!

What in the hell has happened to common sense in this country?

I said it in the past on this forum that it's a matter of time before something like this happened, and I hoped I was wrong...

This hobby is like Kryptonite to chicks!
09-17-2007 07:28 PM
 
 
dezflyer
Heliman
Location: Apple Valley, CA

what bugs me about this whole thing isnt really this particular incident, its the way that some people treat their kids these days. from soccer to little league to even flying rc helis, parents emphasize being the best way too much. winning is everything. WRONG. IMO let the kids be kids. dont push on them at such an early age that winning is everything, that second place is the nothing more than the first loser. more and more i see people basically ripping their kids childhoods off by implanting these things into their brains. visions of money and championships cloud and distort that one special time in thier life when they should just be having fun, not worrying about the things that us as adults do.
09-17-2007 07:30 PM
 
 
aceisback
Senior Heliman
Location: Terre Haute, IN

Quote 
Are you nuts??? This is a reason to be on our "high horse" if I've ever seen one!

Good example of where common sense in this country went.

The two incidents at IRCHA this year occurred with experienced pilots (adults even, not kids) at the controls, what is your reasoning for that? Should those two pilots be banned from flying ? I don't think so.

Proper safety measures and better organization and control is needed at events where helis are going to be flying. I am sure a large percentage of us heli pilots have had a case of dumb thumbs or a mechanical problem that created a dangerous situation at sometime or another, and if not it will happen sooner or later. The same dangers are present with planes and cars also. A broken ankle from being hit by a 1/8th scale nitro truck isn't fun either but it has happened.

If they wanted Justin to fly a demo at this event, then they should have given him the courtesy and room to perform the demo. If anyone has to be blamed, it should be the CD or event organizers for not providing a safe enviroment to fly at.

The incidents at IRCHA prompted the flight line to be moved out 30 feet if I remember correctly, to keep the distance between the heli and the spectators longer.

As long as children are properly supervised, there is no reason they should not be allowed to fly. I think we all know an adult pilot or two that are either experienced or inexperienced that are also dangerous pilots who should not be allowed to fly.

How many of heli pilots have you seen fly while drinking or after having been drinking? I have seen a fair number at some heli events or gatherings, but nothing is said about that. Myself and others were buzzed several times by an electric airplane in the hands of a pilot who had been drinking beer while at a night event, and yet nothing was said.

A stove and an RC heli are two different things. Let's compare apples to apples.
09-17-2007 07:53 PM
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
Stu.
Veteran
Location: Abrakebabra Kebab shop

Quote 
As long as children are properly supervised, there is no reason they should not be allowed to fly.

Agreed with this totally, however there needs ot be high evels of supervision. Doing a demo in front of crowds is not really a suitable place for it.

I think more importantly there should be a point where paretal responsibility comes into effect

If you actualy look at this logically - it does make me and i suppose many people uncomfortable.

He has his own website
he as his own helis, and advertising out his ears
he has been promoted by the hobby community as some sort of super gifted genius.

What this all adds up to? A very uncomfortable situation.

In any other country other than the states im sure questions would have been asked

Stu

www.waterfoothelis.com
09-17-2007 08:08 PM
 
 
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Safety - RC Helis are not toys > NEAT Fair Crash - Statement by Justin's Dad
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