NATION : Solar-Powered Flight Hits Snag
The first attempt to pilot a solar-powered aircraft across the United States suffered a major setback today when the plane was seriously damaged in an aborted takeoff in New Mexico.
Pilot Eric Raymond attempted the 11:29 a.m. takeoff from Lordsburg, spokesman Jack Whitehouse said in Desert Center, Calif.
“The combination of turbulent weather and the high altitude--4,300 feet--made it impossible for him to get off,” Whitehouse said. “It lifted off about five feet and (he) had to set it back down. Then the turbulence caused the left wing to drag and spun the plane into a bush, causing damage to the right wing.”
The Sun-Seeker was traveling about 28 m.p.h. at the time, Whitehouse said. Raymond was not injured.
Raymond and his flight crew were to meet to decide what to do about the aircraft and the cross-country trip. The damage will mean at least a 10-day delay, Whitehouse said.
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