In Changchun, China, on September 16, two electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Xpeng AeroHT collided during an air show rehearsal. According to local media, the incident occurred in the afternoon when the aircraft collided in the air, causing one of them to crash and subsequently catch fire upon landing. The second aircraft landed without serious damage. Xpeng AeroHT confirmed the incident, noting that all participants remained safe and the investigation into the causes is ongoing.
Xpeng AeroHT, founded in 2013, specializes in creating modular flying cars, tiltrotors, and eVTOLs. The aircraft can operate in autonomous and manual modes, are designed for 5–6 flights on a full battery charge, and are equipped with a 270-degree view cockpit and single-lever control. They are intended for altitudes of 300–500 meters. Last year, the company attracted attention with the first public flight of a land air carrier (LAC), collecting over 2000 orders worth about 2 million yuan ($280,940 USD). On September 11, 2025, the LAC received permission to fly in the UAE.
The incident occurred before the start of the Changchun Air Show 2025, scheduled for September 19, where Xpeng AeroHT was to showcase its developments. One passenger was injured and hospitalized, but his life is not in danger.