2 flying cars collide in China during air show rehearsal, one catches fire | Video
Two Xpeng Aeroht flying cars collided during a rehearsal for the Changchun Air Show on September 16. One vehicle caught fire upon landing, but no injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation as the company prepares for the event starting September 19.
Two Chinese flying cars collided mid-air on Tuesday, September 16, during a rehearsal flight for the upcoming Changchun Air Show. Both vehicles belonged to Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car unit of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng Inc.
According to a report by Global Times, Xpeng Aeroht confirmed that two of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles "made contact" during the practice session. One of the vehicles later caught fire after crashing to the ground.
What happened during the rehearsal?
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon, just days before the Changchun Air Show 2025, which is set to begin on September 19. Xpeng said the two eVTOLs were carrying out a formation flight when insufficient spacing led to the collision.
What was the outcome of the crash?
One of the flying cars landed safely, while the other sustained fuselage damage and caught fire upon landing. Visuals circulating online showed fire engines at the site putting out the blaze.
Were there any injuries?
The company confirmed there were no casualties. "All personnel at the scene are safe, and relevant departments have handled the situation in an orderly manner," Xpeng Aeroht said in its statement.
Xpeng Aeroht, which was founded in 2013, said the cause of the incident is under investigation.