The solar-powered experimental aircraft Solar Impulse 2, which once set a record for flying around the world without jet fuel, crashed in the Gulf of Mexico, according to information from the current owner on May 14.
Solar Impulse 2, piloted by 2 Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, completed its journey around the world in 2016. The aircraft flew over 4 continents, 2 oceans and 3 sea areas in 17 legs, with a total distance of about 43,000km and 23 flight days without using a drop of fuel.
3 years after the historic flight, the aircraft was sold to Skydweller Aero. This company has upgraded Solar Impulse 2 into a drone.
In the company's announcement, Skydweller Aero said that Solar Impulse 2 took off from Stennis, Mississippi on April 26 and crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on May 4.
The company said the aircraft carried out a record 8-day and 14-minute flight, thereby demonstrating its ability to fly continuously with solar energy in an environment serving military missions. The aircraft was used in a US Navy exercise.
Skydweller Aero described the incident as a "controlled landing at sea".
The US National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the cause of the accident.
