The Piasecki PA-97 Helistat was an American experimental heavy-lift aircraft, built by Piasecki by fastening four H-34J helicopters to a framework beneath a helium-inflated blimp envelope. The sole prototype was destroyed during a test flight, killing a test pilot and injuring another four in the course of a single incident in 1986.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piasecki_PA-97_Helistat

NSFW Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KY3A2HlbzQ - it's barely off the ground when it crashes at ~1:00.

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[–] EmmaGoldman@hexbear.net 9 points 3 weeks ago (3 children)

How did anyone think this was a good idea?

[–] ElChapoDeChapo@hexbear.net 9 points 3 weeks ago

I assume a lot of alcohol and cocaine was involved

[–] ouRKaoS@lemmy.today 6 points 3 weeks ago

Engineer A: What if... Hits bong wh-what if we like... Takes shot ww-we li-like make a DRONE out of HELICOPTERS?

Engineer B: It'd be way to heavy and wouldn't fly?

Engineer A: Finishes bag of edibles We'll attach it to a... snorts line BL-BLIMP!!!

Engineer B: Acid kicks in ...DuUUuuUuuUdeee!