Saturday March 23, 2013

Radio-controlled helicopters are difficult to handle, say retailers

By NICHOLAS CHENG
nicholascheng@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: The radio-controlled (RC) helicopter which crashed into a crowd in Seremban and killed a toddler is difficult to control even for experts, said model aircraft retailers.

A store manager, who declined to be named, said the RC helicopter should not have been flown over a crowd as it is “quite dangerous”.

“It should be flown in an open field with no one around. It can be hard to control even for experts,” said the manager, adding that the model aircraft was meant for those aged 14 and above.

It was reported that a model helicopter went out of control during the official opening of the country's first synthetic football pitch at the Paroi Sports Complex on Wednesday night, slashing the head of 18-month-old Nurdamia Hasnina with its blades.

Her father Banee Yamin Idris, 35, suffered cuts on his head.

A model aircraft hobbyist, who only wanted to be known as Azman, said the type used at the event could go quite fast.

Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has ordered an investigation into the incident and offered his condolences to the family of the young victim.

Seremban OCPD Asst Comm Saiful Azly Kamaruddin said police had detained the 40-year-old flyer of the craft and seized the helicopter and related equipment.

News

Saturday March 23, 2013

Radio-controlled helicopters are difficult to handle, say retailers

By NICHOLAS CHENGnicholascheng@thestar.com.my

By NICHOLAS CHENG
nicholascheng@thestar.com.my