Solar Impulse 2, the experimental solar-powered plane that completed a round-the-world trip in 2016, has crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during a test flight, its owner Skydweller Aero revealed, sparking an investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board.

The Solar Impulse 2, a pioneering solar-powered aircraft that made history by completing a round-the-world trip in 2016 without using jet fuel, has crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. The experimental plane, which was flown by Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, had been sold to Skydweller Aero, a company that converted the aircraft into a drone for various missions.

The Solar Impulse 2 had achieved a remarkable feat by circumnavigating the globe in 17 stages, covering a distance of 26,700 miles across four continents, two oceans, and three seas, in just 23 days of flying without using a drop of fuel. This historic journey was a testament to the potential of solar-powered flight and paved the way for further innovation in the field.

After its record-breaking flight, the Solar Impulse 2 was acquired by Skydweller Aero, which modified the aircraft to carry out "controlled ditching" operations. On April 26, the plane took off from Stennis, Mississippi, but unfortunately crashed into the Gulf of Mexico on May 4. Despite the accident, the company claimed that the flight had validated the concept of perpetual, solar-powered flight in a military mission-relevant environment, citing a US Navy exercise in which the vessel was used.

The US National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the accident, which will aim to determine the cause of the crash and identify any potential safety issues. The incident has raised concerns about the risks associated with experimental aircraft and the need for rigorous testing and safety protocols to ensure the safe operation of such vehicles. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community will be watching closely to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the crash of the Solar Impulse 2.