Joby’s eVTOL prototype crashes during test flight

California-based Joby Aviation announced that one of its two experimental prototype electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) had an accident during flight testing. The accident occurred while pushing the limits to determine the aircraft performance on the announced information. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Company shares fell after the accident

With a file submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Joby Aviation, one of the companies developing eVTOL air taxis, announced that an aircraft prototype with tail number N542AJ had crashed. .

According to flight tracking data of the remotely controlled prototype, it seems that the performance limits are being pushed. It is stated that the aircraft, which has a circular route, flies at a speed of 435 km / h, beyond the previously stated maximum speed of 322 km / h.

The company said in a statement on the event: “Safety is a core value for Joby. Therefore, we are expanding our scope of flight with a remote pilot and in a deserted area, especially as we are operating outside of expected operating conditions. Experimental flight test programs set the limits of aircraft performance. “It has been deliberately designed for people and accidents are unfortunately a possibility. We will support the relevant authorities in a thorough investigation of the accident.” statements were included.

Joby Aviation, no injuries in incident and details of the extent of the damage were not disclosed. In addition, the company’s shares fell by 9% after the report of the accident.