Franky Zapata, also known as France’s ‘flying man’, has failed his attempt to make a continuous return flight across the Channel using his latest hovercraft invention.
The Marseille-based engineer, inventor, and former jet-ski world champion, took off from Sangatte (Pas-de-Calais) this afternoon (July 25), heading towards Dover in England.
Franky ZapataPatrick Robert
The return journey was supposed to take one hour and 10 minutes, with no stops. After 17 minutes in the air, Mr Zapata made a U-turn and gradually descended into the water 9 minutes later.
He was quickly aided by a safety team who were following the aircraft by boat, and appeared to be uninjured.
The aircraft, which is named the Air Scooter, resembles a mini helicopter or large drone with 12 motors, and was created and developed by the Zapata group. It is currently being retrieved from the sea to analyse the technical issues that may have led to the crash.
Mr Zapata spoke more about the Air Scooter, describing it as “a machine destined to make people’s dreams come true, by allowing them to fly,” in a Connexion interview.
Windy weather conditions could also have contributed to the failed journey. A full analysis of the situation is planned to take place this evening.
Not the first Zapata Channel-crossing challenge
July 25 was chosen as the symbolic date for this challenge in reference to Louis Blériot who became the first person to cross the Channel by airplane, on July 25, 1909.
Some weeks before this feat in 2019, Mr Zapata made headlines after participating in the July 14 Bastille Day parade, flying above the Champs-Elysées on the Flyboard.
Mr Zapata’s team are yet to announce whether they will reattempt today’s failed Channel challenge, however stated in a social media post: “After a problem, we will be back stronger.”
