Avcen Jetpod inventor killed in test flight crash

Here's a sobering reminder of the very real risks that people undertake in the name of science and progress. Michael Robert Dacre, the inventor and test pilot of the Jetpod flying taxi, has died in a crash during testing of his latest prototype. Reports from Malaysia indicate that the twin-engine aircraft went out of control shortly after takeoff before spiraling to the ground. It is unclear where the Jetpod's future lies now, but the original plans of a 2010 release seem extremely unlikely in light of such tragic news. The short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft was intended primarily as a futuristic ferryboat between airports and city centres, and we certainly hope its development continues -- if for no other reason than to honor the vision of its fallen inventor.

[Wwhat Posted Aug 17th 2009 9:22PM]

You're trying too hard 'The Internet Is Serious Business', and the thing you chose to 'make your mark' isn't as original as you think, internet is full of clones of you.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 18th 2009 5:07AM]

Samantha, was you uncle ex Army Air Corps? If so I and many others who served with him would be glad if you would please visit armyaviation.co.uk and apply for membership

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 17th 2009 10:08AM]

Respekt

[GenKhan2 Posted Aug 17th 2009 11:00AM]

And that's why the public will never have flying cars. The carnage would be endless... Too bad the dude died. He definitely had the spirit of invention.

[Wwhat Posted Aug 18th 2009 12:15PM]

Hence the taxi concept, it's public yet not in the hands of the public.
I'm still not enthusiastic about it though.

[DestrictoEnse Posted Aug 17th 2009 12:31PM]

An unfortunate victim of the risks of innovation and experimentation. A real pity, it's a great idea.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 17th 2009 1:33PM]

robot chicken did a hilarious skit where a scientist basically says enough people have died trying to invent the jetpack, so stop asking!

[sapient2k7 Posted Aug 17th 2009 2:12PM]

A loss for everyone, not just his family.

[arkansized Posted Aug 17th 2009 9:46PM]

As a pilot, I would like to add my condolences to those here on this comment page.
Michael Robert Dacre was a visionary, and without men and women like him, willing to take risks, our lives would be much poorer.
I do not have anything clever to say, just hope that his friends and relatives will be encouraged by our sympathy and admiration for the man.
Granny

[keithwwalker Posted Aug 18th 2009 8:13PM]

The ejection seat comment is not in the best taste, but it is a valid question.

Many test aircraft have an anti spin parachute to prevent such deaths:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin_(flight)#Unrecoverable_spins
I believe there is such a kit for commercial aircraft, so not only high military craft have this.