AW609 prototype crash
 

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...-italy-418429/

Very distressing.

My thoughts are with anybody affected.

G

Agreed Genghis.

For the benefit of the 'young' but important civil tilt rotor world I hope it was not a fundemental tilt rotor stability and control issue and since the accident happened away from base I guess there has to be a good chance that it was not.

While the article mentions an engine in flames on the ground, it's being reported elsewhere that the engine was on fire during the descent.

Update on crash
 

I found out some more information here. AW609 crashed in N Italy. Basically Agusta Westland said that they were performing high speed tests when the accident occurred. No one mentioned if it broke/exploded in the sky or when it hit the ground.

On a side note, UAE is not discouraged by this since they opted for the AW609 for their SAR duties!

Tragic accident. I recall the V22 having a massive shaft through the wing. In the event of an engine failure, a single engine can provide power to both propellors. I don't know is AW609 had a similar safety feature.

Sorry, not meaning to be rude - of course it does. I cannot believe how many times I hear this comment.