Atlas: March 15th Prize Attempt and Crash

On March 15th, after 7 months of flight testing, the AeroVelo team was ready to make their first true attempt at the AHS Sikorsky Prize with the Atlas Human-Powered Helicopter. The helicopter came within inches of reaching the 3 metre target required for the prize, but on it’s descent, the front rotor suddenly dropped, breaking the truss and causing Atlas to come crashing down. The crash was a devastating blow to the team, so close to completing this 33 year old challenge. But the team remained colle