i'm surprised that someone has not mentioned the probability that this is an intentional design.

it is possible that the spektrum radio would go into failsafe mode if there is not positive signal from the controller for more than a minute. i would bet that if you place the radio just as they did then, instead of leaving it alone, wiggle any control every few seconds, it would not go into failsafe.

i think the radio must have thought the person had either passed out with the controller still on or the radio has malfunctioned and controls are lost.

personally, i don't think anyone should leave his/her plane unattended assuming that it will stay where it is. the memory of the guy who looked down to adjust something on his radio when his 33% composite weathervaned into the pits, he went to grab it by the wing, bumped the throttle and it came around and bit him. his rolex came apart with the first hit of the carbon prop, his arm took the next two blades. 90 some stitches. they say, had it not been for his watch, he would've lost his hand. upon seeing that, i would've certainly lost my lunch.