Overview

• A thermal engine failure struck about 26 minutes into the flight from Sangatte, prompting a preplanned emergency water landing.
• Maritime rescue teams recovered Zapata quickly after his onboard electric parachute and flotation protocols were deployed.
• The 115 kg hybrid-engine AirScooter offers up to two hours of autonomy at speeds to 100 km/h and is classed as an ultralight vehicle under U.S. regulations.
• French civil aviation authorities and the local prefecture had granted formal approval for the crossing under strict safety and regulatory oversight.
• Zapata remains on track to open a public AirScooter flight center in Las Vegas by early 2026 and aims to retry the Channel crossing in the coming weeks.