[Goldwingnut]

Originally Posted by theruizs

If a quad loses an engine do the others continue to operate? I would think it could be a more dangerous and erratic crash landing if not.

The pops/motors are counter rotate in pairs, one CW the other CCW, with 4 props/motors if one goes out the other with the matching rotation cannot generate enough torque to compensate and the aircraft starts to spin and quickly will crash. Aircraft with 6, 8, or more props/motors can sustain a loss of one or more can can still fly and land safely and in control.

These commercial aircraft are equipped with parachutes and safety systems to bring them down safely in the event of a malfunction. Additionally, each aircraft has a maintenance schedule just like a manned aircraft to ensure a very low failure rate.

I have seen a quad throw a prop while in the air and come down hard, not a pretty sight, they break more than they bounce even if they hit the grass.