Large RC Plane Maiden Flight CRASH! - 10ft Wingspan 1/9 Ziroli Dakota

For those following my Instagram/ Facebook pages… you will have seen I purchased this model at the back end of last year (2022)… after some work to make it how I wanted it, changing the install from an Electric setup to Petrol and then setting the engines up… it was finally time for a maiden flight!
Unfortunately it didn’t quite go to plan (as you can see from the video). The cause is believed to be a mixture of the CoG still being too tail heavy than what I thought and me pulling it into the air earlier than it was ready for... But it’s all repairable and should hopefully be fixed and back in the air for another try very soon 😊
The model is a slightly reduced scale (1/9 instead of 1/8) Ziroli plan built Dakota. Powered by x2 DLE 20cc Petrol engines. Guided by Futaba radio.
📸 Pics by (insta): nath_ward_photography
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[@chrisp3673]

Sorry for the crash. But at least you know she flies 😅. Put the CG more forward and then she will go. The engines could maybe be a little bit more powerful. But the DC3 looks great.

[@CheifyRC]

Sad sight to see but your good reactions limited the damage. Best of luck getting it back in the air and look forward to the remaiden. 🤛

[@LaserEnginesAGC]

This crash mirrors that of a full size Dak a few years ago. On takeoff a Dc3 needs its tail forcibly raised by pushing the nose down. If you do not do this it will lift off the ground early in a semi stalled condition and then crash. The tail heavy look of this model may be only down to the high angle of attack needed to fly at this exceptionally slow speed. I would also recommend you reduce your elevator rate as it looked excessive, and practice holding a model on the ground at speed before lifting it off. You fly the model, dont let the model fly you. For details of the full size youtube search blancolirio DC-3 Crash Bluebonnet Belle July 2018 as i cant post the link.

[@scorned230]

I couldn't have saved it as good as that. Following to see it fly again. Beautiful plane

[@chev1]

Can’t wait for the return

[@darrenoliverio7259]

all that I can say is WOW, great job in the build, sorry that it pancaked but your attitude is great. Keep rolling, I know that you worked your ass off on that plane.

[@DanielMigneault]

Looking forward for a part two!

[@rc_plane_guy1]

Hopefully not far away!

[@airman9820]

I have flown a lot of multiengine planes and you really lucked out on it leveling out. I'm sure you'll get it all sorted out on the next attempt. Don't let the "utube experts" get you down. I get the same thing on my channel.

[@turbodpv5908]

Those extreme elevator throws and an obviously tail heavy plane caused that outcome. You did quite good fighting to counter it, it is not easy to manage a tail heavy bird.

[@vlademirbenevides9850]

Belíssimo modelo. Não desanime, acidentes acontecem ❗️😊🇧🇷

[@Whitpusmc]

The right spirit, she will fly again!

[@markdavis7397]

Nice looking plane, good job! I hope you get the CG worked out and have another go.

[@rc_plane_guy1]

It’s already all sorted and just waiting for the right opportunity to try again! Stay tuned 😉

[@terryhayles5786]

It never seems to amaze me why pilots seem to rev the nuts out of there engines b4 they have warmed up properly,those engines and all other engines need time to warm up,they will learn eventually

[@Lozzie74]

I have the same concern. They won’t learn. Why would they?

[@thomaserpingham2798]

Exactly.

[@sammysouth8372]

Your comment is outdated by around 40 years.

[@ryancadwallader2049]

I know right?!

[@richardmiddleton7770]

The oil is in the fuel so you don't have to wait for the engine oil to warm up and circulate.

[@deanedeane4318]

Beautiful beautiful beast.......🙃😎

[@ShopSongs]

So sad! Hope she's back flying again soon

[@rc_plane_guy1]

Yes definately, it’s all a part of the hobby… all repairable and shouldn’t be long before back to try again! 😊

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

That’s a real shame but it appeared really tail-heavy. Not good anytime but really bad on a maiden flight. Volga Boatman’s song in the background? Quite appropriate considering all the hard work that now must be repeated! Looking forward to seeing this lovely plane flying again. 👍🏻

[@jaymac7203]

It actually looked like you saved it. I was surprised by the amount of damage 😭

[@jeffdunehew]

That thing looked crazy tail heavy

[@Imnotyourdoormat]

Sad. You all had a real pretty flight goin. Looked tail heavy AF. But also looked like it'll fly again...soon. KUTGW

[@rc_plane_guy1]

Work already underway to bring her back for new and improved attempt number 2 very soon, stay tuned! 😉

[@jagitmax]

Love it !

[@eclipser2004]

Maintain thine airspeed lest the ground rise up and smite thee.

[@collinmccallum]

wow!

[@falconeaterf15]

Smaller props might help lug it into the air. Worked for my old overweight biplane. I’m assuming someone who built such a nice aircraft knows how to set the CG correctly. Hope you figure it out.

[@flycatchful]

Ziroli, plans always show the proper CG limits fore and aft. What you see here is a tip stall created by a high angle of attack.

[@rc-fannl7364]

Luckily you somewhat managed to save it at the last moment and avoided much more damage. Apart from what has already been mentioned about the CG, it seemed a bit underpowered too perhaps?

[@TangoOne]

I agree, it does seem underpowered

[@redryderaus]

It has plenty of power. That was purely CG caused.

[@rc-fannl7364]

@@redryderaus Then the pilot must have been holding back on the throttle.

[@cosmodog4845]

It was just above stall speed!

[@chirayuupandharpurkar57]

My FT Mustang crashed on its maiden... Well, it is an FT mustang but I had customized it HEAVILY. With an extremely overpowered motor setup (368 WATTs for a 2 pound plane), Retracts and lights with a Soviet themed golden/blue paint job. I achieved a top speed of 203kmph and it plunged into the ground at 160kmph due to incorrect throws on control surfaces... I have prettymuch fixed it now and I hope it get it back up soon!

[@dogdooish]

I think you have the power there but you might go up a little in pitch??? :)

[@briansmith2120]

Beautiful plane! Sorry it was crashed.

[@stevemull2002]

CofG, defo to rearward power wise probably ok for scale flying, but possibly not enough for take off

[@Backtrack]

Looks BIG! Anyways, stop pulling the elevator after take off, you'll get it into a stall, it's way better to 'fly' it into the ground than to stall it into the ground. A wing stalls at about 4 or 5 degrees upward angle (relative to the horizon), speed and momentum do help, but on take off, the speed is low and slow. You have to accelerate, and, not too tight turns. The lift vector is at a right angle, the more bank, the less(er) the lift vector.

[@Backtrack]

I meant, compare the attitude of the plane in relation to the horizon. @@johnnichol9412

[@hayloft3834]

"A wing stalls at about 4 or 5 degrees upward angle (relative to the horizon)"? Explain then how manoeuvres such as loops, 8s etc. are possible. Sounds like the old upwind downwind furphy.

[@jnmwtkns]

Was it tail heavy? Or lose power ? Dang awesome plane hope it made a full recovery

[@peterdaba6651]

It seemed it wasn't flying fast enough and and started stalling as soon as it lifted off. this may have made it look tail heavy but the dropping wings tell's its flying to slow and stalling.

[@Rob-vv5yn]

Yes tail heavy the DC3 is a tricky one friend had one and exactly the same issue once he had it balanced correctly flew great, the under powered look is more likely influenced by its tail heavy flying rather than actually grossly under powered

[@seamuscashin2606]

you could have made a hanger queen of it and showed it off to all your friends how clever you are .but you flew it instead well done you are a pilot .

[@thewholls7176]

What a shame I reckon it looked like it was out of balance I used to get two pencils with rubbers on the end drill holes into the bench to hold them vertical and assemble the aeroplane with half a tank of fuel and put the rubber tips of the pencils under the wing on the main spar one on each side….. and it will either be nose heavy or tail heavy and you need to add weights to make sure it’s perfectly balanced with half a tank of fuel ……. Then do the same thing in the opposite direction down the length of the fuselage And balance the thing left to right…. Did they do that…???

[@dutchloveRC]

WOW beautiful plane!! OH NO I hate a "Tail heavy " Maiden

[@Lozzie74]

It wasn’t tail heavy. It lacked airspeed. The wings were stalled.

[@davidshaffer4649]

I am wondering why the maiden doesn't include 5-10 runs up and down the runway testing to be certain it is ready to fly.i would rather find an issue with my plane skimming the top of the grass than 25ft in the air.

[@plorks445]

Agree. Unless I'm missing something, it looked like tons of unused runway behind the location he started at.

[@bitemykrank1970]

Possibly a bit too much prop on the engines. Try going down an inch in diameter and up one in pitch. Or maybe try 2 blades for flying, and have your 3 blades for show. It seemed sluggish.

[@sotm6078]

Not having those two cowls on I'm sure added to the tail heavy condition as they are well forward of the COG area!! She was difinetly tail heavy and no airspeed when she spun in!!

[@ronaldobrien211]

I c every1 expressing their views the truth is that she was tail heavy and u took off 2 soon. Happens to the real ones also, the new turbine powered dc3s most crash upon take of because the pilots get a wrong sense of speed and pull up as the tail goes up. This is a beautiful build let her get herself in the air. best for getting her back again pls share the video I love the dc3 and the 110. Cheers

[@falconeaterf15]

You think someone who builds such a complex model can’t set the CG ? And real DC3 pilots rely on their “sense of speed” rather than their ASI ? Interesting.

[@ronaldobrien211]

@@falconeaterf15 I think you are not aware how many new BT67 have crashed upon take off in the past 5 years. Google it! There is nothing complex about building RC scale models its a passion which I have over 35 years built 162 of them and test flown over 3 Thousand of them for others. also have a son who has been flying scale warbirds from the age of 3 he is 22 now. The ASI never helps with the weight and drag its a seasoned pilot who's gut speaks to him when it comes to flying these 87 year old beauties. 'ave a good day ahead😇

[@jasonniemier4425]

This is so typical of the DC3 as in the full scale as well. This airplane is a tail dragger. Thusly her nose sits high as she’s on the runway and her angle of attack on the wing is much too high. You can’t just pop this bird in the air that big wing will not fly with the tail down. You must let the aircraft’s tail come up and fly the tail down the runway and build speed on the ground. This keeps the vertical fin also in the slipstream and gives the rudder more positive control on the ground. Most importantly it properly sets the wings angle of attack minimizing that typical DC 3 tip stall, which is clearly what we witnessed here. It’s a big wing it wants to slice into the wind not plow into the wind. Fly the tail and the plane will follow it up beautifully every time.

[@brianjones3191]

Drats. Good luck fixing it. It looks amazing! Apologies for this, but may I suggest you use a dedicated microphone? I can barely hear you talk.

[@rc_plane_guy1]

Thanks! Out of interest, which part of the video could you not hear me on? I mainly just do everything on my phone.. as I don’t get any money towards anything I do, I didn’t want to invest too much into equipment and wasn’t sure how successful my KZbin videos were going to be 😊

[@brianjones3191]

@@rc_plane_guy1 Almost the entirety, lol; but I meant the direct-to-camera dialogue. I watched again, and could hear you, but it was muffled. Have you seen the new propellers being researched? They are very oddly shaped (toroidal?) and are more efficient than standard prop’s. But of course they aren’t yet perfected. Good luck with the project.

[@sawtooth4615]

Looked tail heavy.......

[@korkav8r]

We’re you using 20cc’s??

[@rc_plane_guy1]

I was yes two DLE20’s

[@mikemarkowski7609]

Bad CG. How did that happen?

[@peterpickguitar]

It looks like they forgot to fasten the cargo inside. That would cause the load to slide back, plane tilt upwards into a stall. Condolences to the family.....

[@wateverit8ks342]

Small tip for running twins. You can also use you phone camera to synchronize the engines . If a tach is not available.

[@ottofraser4879]

Could you please explain how?

[@johnridley1038]

The take off, looked very slow, That sudden dropping of the right wing looked like a typical tip stall, Try getting a little more ground speed next time before yeanking it off the ground. Good luck.

[@scottiopizza7565]

Shouldn't a two prop plane have the second engine rotating in the opposite direction of the other engine? That and the tail weight thang..

[@nixxonnor]

Where was CG before takeoff? I suspect it was too far back EDIT: Should have read the video intro...

[@user-gl5yk5ys5b]

needs more engine power. not to make it fly, but to make it less sensitive to pilot error. if you had enough HP, you could have just powered your way out of that stall.

[@joseluissanzcamara2800]

people flying piston engines are brave...👏👏

[@saito125]

Yeah, we've been brave since the mid-1930's... still going strong.

[@secularsunshine9036]

*Let the Sunshine In...*

[@thomaserpingham2798]

Under powered, centre of gravity somewhere under the windscreen-, the plane did its best but it was always gonna be a first and last flight.

[@capt998]

Have you considered mounting two DLE 35RE's to add more power and weight for better CG?

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

You don't have to add weight for CG. It is better to redistribute existing weight to achieve proper CG. Adding weight only increases wing loading.

[@capt998]

@@shelbyseelbach9568 I know. But, it looked like it was lacking power on take off AND was tail heavy too. So more power of the DLE 35RE which are heavier may improve the situation. One can always back off the throttle with twin 35's vs flying full throttle all the time with the 20's, me thinks! :)

[@shelbyseelbach9568]

@@capt998 Properly CGd it would have flown fine.

[@deanfairweather4748]

more agressive props more speed on takeoff ?? and a correct cg needed

[@rc_plane_guy1]

2nd points yes but props are fine 😊 Check the 2nd attempt video on my channel to see the result 😉

[@cashus68]

I am sorry !!! This is why flight safe gyro RULES !!!

[@andrewdancer8520]

Looked like it needed a bit more nitro in the fuel.

[@maher7241]

the weight to the power ratio is not right beside the cg is way behind ... heavy tail configuration

[@rossarian]

tail heavy?

[@cowboy6591]

CG will do it every time. Why aren't we checking that?

[@daviddavids2884]

information it's a bigfat cargo plane !!! if the model was a conversion to engine power, the servo mounts NEED TO have Adequate vibration damping.! this means, mounting servos with screws and grommets.! it is a mistake to use a scale-accurate profile in the wing of a scale model.!!! putting servos at the tail makes the Tail HEAVY.!!! cg should be located at, or a bit forward-of, Thirty percent of chord. the model did not seem to have enough airspeed, at the time control was lost.

[@rc_plane_guy1]

I didn’t build the model, if I had I probably would have done a few things differently.. but this was from someone else who has apparently flown it fine. The throttle servos were secured with grommets and screws. The CoG was checked at the point provided by the previous owner, but somehow was clearly still not quite right, so after repairs will be re-checked and more noseweight added to bring it forward more. And yes it did leave the ground a little earlier than I had planned, but hindsight is a wonderful thing… so will try again next time! 😊

[@Lozzie74]

I agreed it lacked airspeed. I don’t believe there was a CG problem. Too hard to diagnose from our viewpoint. I put servos in the tail exclusively. Route electrical power through the aircraft, then route mechanical power at the control surfaces. The relative weight of servos in a big bird is negligible. If I can do it on my much smaller craft, this bird can handle it.

[@frez777]

I noticed he should have started back further maybe.

[@kmurphy739]

Didn't you balance the plane after the build?

[@volkerehring5412]

Shit!! But thats the Hobby. Mode luck for the next Model!!

[@Duane002]

Bit tail heavy??

[@pjroyse]

It takes airspeed to fly

[@lmramos44]

Two words…….Go Electric!

[@flycatchful]

WHY?

[@lmramos44]

@@flycatchful I understand about scale and being a purist, but, multi engine is so much easier with electric.

[@pylon500]

Forgot to put the lead (pb) cowlings on...

[@nonoyorbusness]

Rearward c of g.

[@Neo-xn7vc]

Wrong CG she needs to be more noseheavy. Did you check the rudder rash seemed to be a little bit much but I could be wrong. Was hard to see. Sorry about the crash. I hope to see here in the air soon.

[@rchobbyil315]

very very bad cg + not enough speed for this kind of plane/wing type. sorry for the bird.

[@ErstO1]

That sucks

[@jimmyhaley727]

obviously tail heavy plane caused that outcome

[@eagletousey4603]

Stall city

[@Jimmyzb36]

Tail heavy??????

[@haferlandflorian6183]

Bro😂

[@stefan6016]

oh....no.....so sad......hope you repair this beautiful rc plane......looks a little bit tail heavy

[@jeffpiatt3879]

Tail heavy. If a plane is nose heavy-too nose heavy- it won't take off, and you get a second chance to correct the CG. Too Tailheavy and you get no second chance.

[@johndd8186]

definitely underpowered and tail heavy

[@joeschneider8025]

Pilot error

[@chicagoskyhawk2052]

Looks tail heavy to me

[@rc_plane_guy1]

Yes probably still a little tail heavy and took to the air earlier than planned. Will repair, recheck CoG and try again!

[@Lozzie74]

Looks like a lack of airspeed to me

[@grimreaper7198]

I've never understood other modelers that fail to confirm the balance of every aircraft prior to flight.

[@troypoppylovesyou]

Yeah well no they might of thought they got it right but just were mistaken. Very easy to do. Not a helpful comment.

[@grimreaper7198]

@@troypoppylovesyou How do you mistakingly miss the cg? Not familiar with aircraft and how they work? If you 'easily' miss one of the basic rules of flight, you shouldn't be building model aircraft. Or better yet, if you have more money than knowledge, they'll soon converge at the number 'zero'.

[@SteveBull-tg8mi]

Its tail heavy right from the takeoff.

[@pedrosantiago1139]

Punto uno CG incorrecto nunca roto punto 2 falta de potencia

[@OscarSanchez-sw9hx]

You must let the tail skate rise before lifting the plane.😭😭😭

[@wallywally8282]

All too often we see these toy planes in the hands of wealthy amateurs who can’t fly yet flash the cash🤮😂

[@HighlanderJC]

I'm saying nothing!

[@rc_plane_guy1]

😂

[@lawrencequave7361]

It's a statistical fact: the probability of an R/C aircraft crashing is DIRECTLY proportional to its combined attributes of size, complexity, cost, realism, hours spent building it, beauty, and the pride in it by the aircraft's owner. I lived in the country. I had spent at least 100 hours building a very realistic-looking plastic 1/32 scale model UH-1E helicopter. I put it on a shelf in my office where I expected it would be safe. The cat got into my office, jumped on the shelf, knocked the model off, and irreparably broke it. I captured the cat, took it out back, and shot it dead. My wife never said a thing.

[@jeffs7915]

Let's say under powered, low airspeed, badly balanced, and a higher pitch and ascent angle given these parameters. Perhaps plan to place plane further back and rotate once you can visualize if ground speed is sufficient . Have had numerous discussions and arguments with YTs who need to stand behind the plane for take off, usually because the can't control rudder when plane comes at themselves. Do they plan on landing the same way.? These are not beginners, they pride themselves on have learned little flying skills after 50 yrs in the hobby.

[@WayneCook306]

Once again nowhere near enough ground speed.

[@peterroles6130]

Some decent silencing on the motors would transform this model. It sounds just like two noisy two-strokes! Dreadful! A pair of four-stroke engines would be heavenly compared to this!

[@rc_plane_guy1]

The silencers were homemade by the previous owner to fit the airframe 😊 Would love some nicer engines.. but doing it on a budget for now. If i get it flying well then maybe its something to change for the future!

[@HalcombPlumbing]

Agree. All that work RUINED by 2 strokes. Awful sounding.

[@shaymcquaid]

Prop strikes at ANY scale aren't pretty, lol

[@manuelbeltranmeza]

Fue obvio, falta de potencia. Mal Piloto.

[@pat14162]

Bien fait pour vos gueules !!! et vous continuez à investir dans ce genre de conneries

[@jimmcclelland5754]

underpowered, overweight.

[@dwightpierce4427]

I think tail heavy and under powered

[@tonywright8294]

Definitely the wrong color of underwear

[@andysolution62]

very bad CG.....

[@thomaserpingham2798]

Under powered, centre of gravity somewhere under the windscreen-, the plane did its best but it was always gonna be a first and last flight.