Hardly a new issue, this same type of incident dates back to 1966. I think this particular one is getting so much attention because A: there was video, and B: we have the internet to discuss it for 8 pages. Here are some accidents involving full scale/model collisions and also full scale accidents caused by avoiding model aircraft:

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...17X03877&key=1

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...11X15807&key=1

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...08X06127&key=1

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=34096&key=0

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=42173&key=0

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=69222&key=0




I found this interesting- these five accidents were all the result of aerial searches for an RC model using a full scale aircraft gone wrong. They seem to be particularly deadly, as several have caused complete loss of aircraft and pilot/passengers. Flying low and slow near treetops is an unrecoverable scenario after entering a stall. Be careful if you ever attempt to use an airplane to find your downed model!


http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...13X30280&key=1

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...12X24058&key=1

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...12X24000&key=1

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...14X40816&key=1

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=34905&key=0