Last weekend, I performed the 2nd maiden, now in its final completed state. Ihad removed the dummy engine (cardboard printout) which I had installed for the display, and put back on the master airscrew 13x8 3-blade prop.

I was extremely nervous (although the first flight had seen no issues) and this showed up in the flight, as Imade a lot of mistakes.
This flight was to prepare the corsair for it's first season and before flying it on a regular base, Iwanted it photographed. So, the only purpose of the flight was to take pictures of it in action ... first mistake.

I had never tested the hatches with running motor. With the plane now fully assembled on the field, the first time Iapplied throttle saw the magnets of the hatches let go. So Ithought to fix that in a hurry and close the hatch with some masking tape ... second mistake.

Take off was a no event, and soon Iwas flying circuits close and low to allow for nice pictures. But Iwas so focused on the picture taking task, that I didn't think about trimming the plane ... third mistake ... until the last circuit, where Itrimmed some up elevator.

The quick fix of masking tape didn't hold for long. And soon the battery hatch opened up in flight, spoiling the nice sound and view of the airplane.

After a generously safe 5 minute timer had counted down, Iprepared for approach and landing. Still extremely nervous ... as 5 minutes flights are too short to become relaxed ;-) ...
I made a very bad landing approach, but didn't realize it until Isaw the pictures later that evening. My first impression was that, although not level, the landing was soft and gentle.
But the right landing gear had a different opinion and probably got bent on touch-down, only followed some seconds later during the roll-out by the tail gear which collapsed, broken off its hinges.

No worries, it will fly again.