RE: How much $
This is not aimed at anyone here, but I've seen a lot of guys dumb thumb a plane into the ground and then claim equipment failure.
I've seen guys lose a plane because they failed to check they movements. Reversed ailerons and /or elevator. I've saw one guy lose a plane because he DID NOT screw the servos to the rails. (just wedged them in).
Like I said, a lot of stupid stuff, blamed on equipment failure.
Back in 81 I lost a new pattern ship, on the maiden take off due to another member at the field decided to turn his radio on without checking the frequency board. Loss: $500 plus all the labor building it.
Frank
AMA #5810