From Triumph to Tragedy: RC B-58 Hustler Heartbreaking Maiden Flight

In spite of the crash it was still a success my friend. It flew and flew well! It was beautiful in the air and we all have the knowledge you shared from the build. Those are all wins! What ever you do next will be amazing and Im so sorry you lost it.

In my 40+ years of flying model aircraft I don’t think I was ever so disappointed as I was watching your B-58 go in. I’m sure it’s because watching it develop into the finished model I felt sort of connected to the build. The level of detail is amazing. Take heart in the fact that you have a proven airframe that can be done again. Maybe leave out all the painstaking paint and details then move forward with those after it’s been through the test program. I applaud your skill and efforts, in this day of RTF & ARF models you have the spirit that bought many of us into this hobby in the first place.

as a 72 yo wingnut I have to tell you that the B 58 Hustler has always been my all time favorite airplane. Having gotten to actually stand next to and touch one at PIMA was the summation of a life time dream, actually getting to see one. Your build is truly remarkable, beautiful, and true to the beast this plane was and in your case, still is. Good work. Sad failure, but you will fly another day. Straight and Level Flight Captain. TC BK 3 RT Racing.

As a 5 year old little boy I was infatuated with the Hustler…. 57 years later you brought back some great memories with an incredible flight and such a beautiful plane… great job!

Wow brother, sorry for your loss. You took it like a true sportsman and learned from it instead of cussing and blaming. Seeing that model fly was completely awesome, seeing it go down... Well, i think you took it better than i did! Very inspiring video series from cradle to grave. Thank you!

Arguably the most handsome aircraft ever designed and built. The B-58 is a legend for record setting achievements in aviation. BUILD ANOTHER PLEASE!

Stunning model that's rarely seen. Very interesting hearing the after crash report and how in flight the power dynamics are very different Vs static. A real cold war classic and an aircraft that was all about power and very high speeds. The real aircraft had a fairly high crash percentage rate so your model statistically was just following the Math behind the aircraft.

I admire how calmly you handled things even in the midst of disaster, reminded me of black box flight recorders where pilots are fighting to save the plane but you wouldn't know by their voices.

Chris...this was a heck of an achievement in itself! Plain and simple! The build process, the patience and the courage to put that excellent work of art in the air... I have nothing but respect for you! Keep up the good work sir!

A heartbreaking end to a fantastic adventure. To see her in the air was a pleasure. We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling on the sticks , and the what ifs start . Your investigation has cleared up any doubts as to the cause and good that you are already thinking about the next build . So onwards and upwards, thank you Chris for being so professional and calm and sharing your experience with us . Hope to see you again soon . Alan

You did an absolute marvelous job just getting her up and into the air. Your ability to control it all the way until the end was something to be proud of. The B-58 is an unstable aircraft by nature and your ability to build and fly her by remote control just leaves me speechless! I hated to see the aftermath, but she did fly and fly well. You get an A plus in my book!!

RIP to those tiny pilots and condolences to their tiny families😔

Huge props to you for making this video. It must take a lot to make a video like this when you've poured yourself into a project. Thank you for bringing it out to NATS to show it off, and for all the hospitality and knowledge you shared that weekend.

Absolutely gorgeous model and livery. Well done. I'm impressed by your positive attitude to the loss of your work. It's clear that no mere crash can take away your love for the hobby, or the challenges it provides.

This is why you do a short maiden flight-get it on the ground and check things out. You pushed too hard too fast for a first flight in my opinion. Beautiful model great job. Very impressed with how calm you were too.

Such a heartbreaking loss. I was surprised that you held it together. I would have cried. I felt privileged to have seen it take to the air on YouTube. I was an Air Force brat growing up. We were stationed at Bunker Hill AFB in Peru Indiana, now call Grissom AFB. It was a B58 and B47 base back then. My dad was a flight line chief and he loved the Convair B58 Hustler. What a cool name. He always bragged about how fast it was, how complex it was and he said it was the 1st plane to use a basic onboard computer. We always saw them flying around and got close up to these incredible, beautiful machines every Armed Forces Day. Thank you for building it.

That was an awesome jet you built. Sorry it ended the way it did. Also the way you handle the whole situation during the maiden flight while being filmed and with people watching keeping your Cool and not losing your mind cursing throwing a fit shows all us Modelers how we should act to promote this Hobby.

Chris, I’m gutted for ya. She was absolutely majestic against a beautiful sky. Major props on keeping cool and calm after the loss. You’re a real gentleman. Many of us here in San Diego really miss flying with you. Take care buddy, keep your chin up! 😎👍🏼

So sorry to see her go. What an incredible build. You are truly a talented craftsman 👍🏼

This was a beautiful version of the 58. I was impressed with its flight, but so, sorry to see it over heated. You are an excellent engineer and builder.