[kellyhound]

A devastating crash in 2016, at an air show in Hubei province, China, witnessed a catastrophic accident involving a locally-manufactured Xiaoying 500 aircraft, also known as the Eaglet 500. This aircraft, recognized as China's inaugural four-seater business aircraft designed for private use, met with a tragic fate during its aerial display.

The incident, which occurred in Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital, led to the loss of four lives, including two children. The Xiaoying 500, a symbol of China's advancements in aviation, tragically crashed into a cornfield. The harrowing moments of the plane's descent, characterized by a spiraling nosedive, were captured on video, offering a stark visual account of the tragedy.

The crash of the Xiaoying 500 raised serious concerns about air safety, especially during high-profile public events like air shows. The aftermath of the incident saw a thorough investigation by aviation authorities to determine the cause of the crash and to assess the safety protocols in place for such exhibitions.

[William May]

A. I didn't know they had airshows in China.
B. I didn't know they built small aircraft in China. I was there for 2 weeks, all over the country, and never saw ANY light aircraft of ANY type. The skies were empty, except for airliners. I never even saw any small airports. It must be a LOT of work to get a private pilot's license in China, and then own your own aircraft.
I'm sad about this mostly because of those two facts. Private aviation in China is like a dandelion in a desert. This guy was probably a real aviation booster. Too bad he died.
Looks like a classic stall-spin at low altitude.

[William May]

I found out more.......There were only 11 private aircraft in China in 2006, but they expect about 2000 in the air by 2020. Currently, to fly, you have to get approval the day before you fly. So private flying in China is a real chore.
This aircraft is China's FIRST light aircraft. It is mostly designed for export, but I guess they will sell them in China as well. It seats 5 people. They built about 20 last year, and expect about 40-60 this year. They have sold 8 of them to Laos. The price is between $230,000 and $350,000 U.S. (This is actually about average pricing. Airplanes are expensive. That 's why so many people build their own) (There have been Chinese delegations at the Airventure Fly-In, put on by the U.S. Experimental Aircraft Association, so I guess they are trying to develop light aviation over there.) The Airventure show is the largest airshow in the world, with about 500,000 people attending at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The only time
"Spaceship One" from scaled composites was flown anywhere but at it's base, was at Oshkosh. Airbus brought their new A 380 prototype to show and fly, before it was shown anywhere else. Everything from antique aircraft to modern warbirds. I go every year, and it's a fabulous place)

[k.wilks]

if the aircraft seats 5 and the occupants are Chinese, they will more than likely have 15 people on board.

[FunkPumpkin]

As anyone who's lived on the Left Coast knows, DWA is a very real menace. I wonder if FWA was the root-cause of this crash.

[SLAPAPPY]

They fly like they drive.... listening for the crash! Airsquints!!!! The reason they have only 11 private planes is that they crashed the rest of them trying to parallel park!

[murofhsirgo]

i will not be getting in any Chinese-manufactured Xiaoying 500