On the evening of July 8, a powered delta wing aircraft fell in the left flag of Xinbalhu in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia, killing the pilot and a passenger. The passenger killed was a 12-year-old Shanghai student named Li Ming (pseudonym). On the 14th, Li Ming's family told the polar news reporter about the incident.
Li Ming is a child who loves flying and has been interested in airplanes and helicopters since he was a child. He has participated in aeronautical model competitions and won awards. His dream is to grow up to become a pilot. This summer, he traveled to Inner Mongolia with his parents to experience the scenery of the grassland.
On the afternoon of July 8, Li Ming and his parents arrived at a powered delta wing flight base in the new Balhu Zuoqi. The powered delta wing is a light aircraft consisting of a triangular cloth airfoil and a cockpit hanging below that can fly at low altitudes. Li Ming saw these planes and was very excited and wanted to try them. He pleaded with his parents and said, "Mom and Dad, I want to sit on the delta wing, just once, okay?" Li Ming's parents originally disagreed, thinking that this kind of plane was too dangerous. But Li Ming was very insistent, and said that he was 12 years old and could make his own decisions. He also said that it was his dream and that if it was not realized, he would regret it later. Li Ming's parents saw him so seriously and couldn't bear to reject him. They asked the staff at the flight base about the relevant safety measures and prices.
They were told by staff that powered delta wing flights needed to be accompanied by a professional pilot, and that safety protocols and disclaimers were to be signed. Each flight takes about 15 minutes and costs 500 RMB. The staff also said that although the power delta wing looks simple, it is actually very safe, because it has a parachute system, if there is a breakdown or emergency, the parachute can be ejected in time, and the landing is smooth. So they agreed to allow Li Ming to ride the power delta wing and signed the relevant documents. The staff arranged for Li Ming to be an experienced pilot and put him in protective clothing and helmets. Li Ming happily followed the pilot to a powered delta wing aircraft parked on the grass.
Li Ming's parents stood by and took pictures and videos of him with their mobile phones. They saw Li Ming and the pilot in the cockpit, the pilot started the engine, and the powered delta wing aircraft began to glide on the grass and then slowly lifted off. Li Ming's parents applauded and cheered for him, and Li Ming also waved and smiled at them.
Li Ming's parents watched the powered delta wing aircraft flying in the air, and they felt amazing and relieved. They thought that this should be the happiest moment in Li Ming's life. They did not expect that this was also the last moment they saw Li Ming, and after about 10 minutes of flying, the powered delta wing aircraft suddenly failed. According to later investigations, it was due to engine failure, resulting in the loss of power and control of the powered delta wing aircraft. The pilot tried to eject the parachute system, but for unknown reasons, the parachute system also did not work properly. The powered delta wing aircraft began to descend sharply and rotate in the air.
After the incident, the local government and public security departments quickly arrived at the scene and launched investigation and rescue work. At the same time, psychological counselors were also arranged to comfort Li Ming's family. It is reported that the cause of the accident is under further investigation, and the relevant responsible persons will also be investigated for legal responsibility, Li Ming's family said that they could not accept such a fact, and felt that they had lost the most important person in their lives. They said: "We just wanted the child to achieve a dream, and we didn't expect to pay such a price." We hope to find out the truth about the accident as soon as possible and give the child justice. ”