An 88-year-old amateur aviator from Russia was killed during an attempted takeoff of his homemade helicopter on Friday, according to reports.
Vladimir Trapeznikov, locally famous in his native Omutninsky district, conducted the tragic exhibition of his DIY aircraft on Thursday, CNN reported, citing Russian officials.
“[D]uring engine startup, while still on the ground and as the engine power was building, the main rotor blades detached. This caused injuries to the pilot,” the Volga Region Transport Prosecutor’s Office said a statement, according to CNN.
Trapeznikov was taken to Omutninsky District Hospital with the propeller injury and died hours later, that report stated.
A truck driver for a logging company by trade, Trapeznikov was remembered locally for building his own working flying contraptions.
He successfully flew a homemade airplane in 1985 which landed him a spot in a short film and TV newsreels.
Trapeznikov made a total of five aircraft as an airman hobbyist.
