Once at competition, the team attempted to fly three times. The first flight attempt was abruptly denied by the judging crew on the tarmac. This was due a lack of structural rigidity in the rear wheel support. The flaw here was quickly corrected by drilling another hole into the aluminum support and driving a wood screw into the balsa wood tail boom. The plane passed inspection during the second flight attempt and managed to have a successful flight, meeting all requirements and specifications. The plane carried a payload of approximately 3 pounds during this round. The third flight attempt was nearly successful, with the plane taking off and completing one 90 degree turn. While attempting the second turn, a strong gust of wind blew the plane above the stall angle, as the pilot was trying to gain altitude. This stalling caused the plane to come down to the ground, wheels first, and rolling onto its back. The landing gear was damaged and bent beyond repair and no spare aluminum was available. The results of these flight attempts can be viewed below.
