As a quick background, I flew RC back in the 70s and got good enough not to crash too often!
I also have a little over 50 hours in light aircraft, so I understand aerodynamics.
I bought the HawkSky from Hobby Partz back in late April and it has been a complete failure to date. I did a lot of research prior to buying the plane as I wanted to have something beginner-proof due to the fact I hadn't flown for so long. Everything I read seemed to indicate this was a great choice. After it arrived, I realized just how true the comments about pathetic instructions were! However, it wasn't a difficult build (if you can call it a "build"). There's no real way you can get the wings or stab on the wrong way. Finally got it all together.
I confirmed the following:
Controls working correctly (that is, stick movements gave movement on the control surfaces the way they should)
Engine functioning correctly (the wash was going back, not forwards!)
CG slightly aft of the recommended range using supplied battery. Installing a 2200Mah battery brought the CG to almost right in the middle of the stated range
At the field, I again checked the controls - all OK. Fired up the engine, elevator trim slightly up, held in right hand slightly nose up (never installed the UC), launched with a smooth throw. The plane immediately nosedived into the ground. Swapped batteries - CD not slightly aft. Tried again - same result.
Went home and packed the front of the engine up about 1 degree, figuring is must have too much down thrust. Tried with both batteries - nosedive. Also tried with full up elevator trim. Nosedive. Tried with full up elevator. Nosedive, ripped the engine off the mount, mount off the fuse and destroyed the prop.
I'm getting nowhere with HP's tech support. Ha - they're more ignorant than I am and unable to read. I posted basically the same as I have here on their tech support and the idiot proceeds to give me a (poor) lecture in aerodynamics, basically saying I'd done something wrong.
So I have broken plane that won't fly. Has anyone any ideas or similar experiences? I'm stumped. Thanks.