Slowstick $35
Optio S4 $350
Berg 6 GIII Rx $80
2 MX 50 servos $70
Prism switch $25
SD card $50
Tanic 2150 pack $80
PJS 800 motor $70
Misc $10
TMM Profi 40a esc $110
total $880

I guess I never really let myself think about the value of that plane when I flew it.

It's gone now, and I'm going to be out of commission for quite a while.

What really bothers me it how I lost it. I have flown in so many high risk areas. Deep canyons, 14,000 foot mountains, way out over lakes, off cliffs... Never once came close to losing it.

Today I flew a really boring mission over the 2 acres of property we plan to build on in about 2 years. 8 acre lake in the middle of a bunch of 2 acre lots.
Standing by the lake, I flew to the other side, keeping the plane fairly low to get some shots of the family and me standing on the shore. I've gotten lots of these types of photos, keeping tabs on the progress of the houses going up.

I got too far away, and was too low. 5mph winds became 7-10, and I just lost orientation. I called out to my wife to watch the plane with me, because I was planning on putting in down on the other side of the pond because I couldn't tell if it was coming toward me or away, and I needed to set her down. It was really small, and about 50' up. Turned the wrong way thinking it was coming toward me and put in down in a sharp bank. The land dropped away at that distance toward a marsh I didn't know was out there.

I really thought I'd just hop over there and pick up the pieces, hoping for the best for the lipo and camera, but it's gone. It must have gone in about 100'-150' farther away than I thought it was, right in the middle of a small marsh with 8-10' tall reeds, cattails, and grass. Looked for 2 hours, absolutely no sign of it.

I'll look again tomorrow, but I see extremely little chance of finding it.

What a STUPID place to lose my plane. To add insult to injury, this was the maiden flight of a nifty new set of landing gear I made out of aluminum rod with nice big tires. I never even got to see it land once on them.

Look for some more photos from me maybe next Spring. My R/C budget is very tight right now, and this will take a while.

Lesson learned, and premium price paid.

Sorry to hear that. I really hate to read these kind of reports. Good luck with getting going again. Maybe it won't be as long as you think.

Randy

Steve,

That's a hard one to live with. I know I will be glad when you can get going with another plane or something else.

Get some sleep tonight and search for it again tomorrow.

Then if it doesn't show up, burn the marsh out!!

I'm sure you will feel better by Monday!

Roger

'Sorry Steve. I've really enjoyed your pictures. It does make me think about Yb2normal's RPV Autopilot setup though. I watched him flip that switch and back came the plane. Yes, it's even more money in the air, but it does have its good points.

Best,
Q

maybe it won't be as long as you think

Yeah, I'm sure it'll be sooner than next Spring, you know how you exaggerate when you're still reeling from the loss.

Stinks because I had the next $400 or so earmarked for a custom wing, a ZLog, and some other stuff. Now I need major bucks just to get back to where I was 4 hours ago.

Sigh.

Buck up Steve! The truth (and your plane) is out there.

Steve,

Hang in there buddy! I felt the same way when my SS did a nose dive into the ground from 80 ft right after take-off. I got it back but had to order a brand new one. I'd go back tomorrow and look for it a bit more, maybe you will have good luck in finding it and be able to salvage some things.

Your pics are fantastic so keep the faith, things will work out.

I'm so sorry, Steve. If you were a little closer, I'd seriously offer to drive over and help you find it. Go back and try again tomorrow. I bet you find it. You never know too, most of it probably is fine.

That's awful - very sad news - sorry to hear about it. Hopefully, you'll find it and everything won't be destroyed.

This same or similar situation could happen to any of us - perhaps already has to some or probably will to others.

I guess the only remotely bright side might be that nobody else was involved (property damage, et cetera).

Good luck tomorrow.

That’s terrible Steve,
I hope you find it in one piece, if not our loss is bigger than yours!

Steve

Tough luck. Don't give up looking, you may be able to salvage more than you think. Let the electronics dry out before try them. Hope you are flying again soon.

Larry

One more reason to drain those pesky wetlands. Seriously tho - look again when you're not so upset. My son found one I'd given up on in about 10 minutes.

Don't give up man! Surely you've got an old Aiptek or backup camera laying around somewhere? Anyway to slap together a stock SS (only $35 ya know) and kludge an AP rig of some sort to survey the crash site?

Any AP brethren nearby to help out our eBird?

Rob

Ouch!

All those wild places you fly, it was bound to catch up with you sometime..
You have been an inspiration to all of us.

I've got an old backup RTF SS with new EPS and a pocketcam x you can borrow.
If you are interested, pm me and I'll mail it to ya.

bad luck Steve

you'll find it i'm sure

hope your not out of action too long.
checking for new pics from you is the first thing i do here each time.