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French inventor Franky Zapata survived a May 28, 2022, crash during a flight demonstration in Biscarrosse, France. Video shows him lose control of a jet-powered Flyboard and fall about 15 metres (roughly 50 feet) into Lake Biscarrosse. He was rescued and taken to hospital conscious, and later said he was doing well.
What happened in the lake crash?
During a demonstration in Biscarrosse on May 28, 2022, Zapata rose on a jet-powered board, entered a rapid spin and plunged into Lake Biscarrosse. Storyful described the motion as an apparent malfunction or mistake that led to an “unstoppable flat spin”; the available reports do not establish an official cause. Euronews’s contemporary report placed the fall at about 15 metres, or roughly 50 feet.
Video of the incident was captured by Alexandre Desvignes. According to Storyful’s video report, Zapata was taken to hospital conscious. Officials later said he had “good sensitivity and motor skills.” Zapata posted that he was doing well and thanked the emergency responders.
Who is Franky Zapata?
Zapata is a French inventor and former jet-ski champion. He became widely known in 2019 after crossing the English Channel on a jet-powered board of his own design. After the lake crash, he wrote that “one only learns by such errors.” He also reflected that it “reminds us that we are not birds, and that if we are not excellent, it’s gravity that wins.” Euronews reported both statements.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact & Portable: The Subnado underwater scooter measures 14.84*2.75*2.75in and weighs only 3lbs, ideal for carry-on luggage with its airline-approved 98Wh battery, ensuring fun on your travels. Check airline rules before flying
- Proprietary Battery System: Subnado features 100W fast charging, fully charging in 1.2 hours. It offers 3-speed gear, cruise mode for up to 56 minutes, and 100W reverse charging for electronic devices. Delivers 14.33 lbs thrust with an efficient propulsion system
- Subnado Package Includes: Comes with Subnado Main Unit, various mounts, thumb controller, safety guard, arm mounts, handgrip, and accessories for enhanced underwater activities
- Variety Accessories Application: Finger-ring controllers and mount brackets allow versatile attachment to arms, legs, or gas cylinders. Supports up to 3 additional accessories like camera or underwater lights for stable video shooting
- Safe & User-Friendly Devices: Subnado sea scooter, enclosed in robust aluminum-alloy housing, operates up to 197ft deep. Features a detachable finger safeguard for safety, suitable for kids and diverse water activities
What is a Flyboard, and was this a Flyboard Air?
Reports describe the craft in the crash as a Flyboard, part of Zapata’s work on jet-powered flying platforms. Some coverage discusses the Flyboard Air, which the company describes as a turbine-powered aircraft. However, the reports do not conclusively establish that the exact Flyboard Air model described was the one involved in this crash.
Futurism reported that the company’s Flyboard Air description specifies five micro-turbines and a claimed maximum speed of 87 mph. The company also claims, “This machine can lose one engine and still fly,” and says that if it loses two engines, “the pilot will perform a controlled landing.” Those are company claims, not findings about the crash or proof of how the specific craft involved would perform in an emergency.
Rank #2
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- Positive Buoyancy and Strap-Free Design for Effortless Use: Unlike body-tethered underwater scooters, the Mix can be released whenever you want to swim freely or take a break. You do not have to carry extra weight on your body when it is not in use, helping conserve energy. No time-consuming straps or complicated installation—simply pick it up and start your underwater adventure
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- Long Battery Life & Removable Battery: Powered by a 11,000 mAh waterproof battery, offering up to 45 minutes of intermittent use, 30 minutes at continuous low speed, and 20 minutes at continuous high speed. Actual runtime may vary depending on rider weight and usage conditions. The removable battery design allows you to quickly swap in a fully charged battery without waiting for recharging. Optional purchase of additional batteries extends usage time
- User-Friendly & Safe: Easy to operate for both beginners and experienced users. Press and hold the left button for 3 seconds to power on, then press both the left and right switches simultaneously to start the scooter. Propeller guards provide added protection, while the 131-ft waterproof rating ensures reliable underwater performance
What is known—and not known—about the cause?
The video shows a rapid spin followed by the fall, but the contemporary reports do not establish whether a mechanical fault, pilot error or another factor caused it. They also do not provide an official accident-investigation finding. The quoted redundancy claims relate to the company’s Flyboard Air description; they do not identify what happened to the aircraft in Biscarrosse.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compact & Portable: 14.84*2.75*2.75in and weighing only 3lbs, the Subnado underwater scooter is about the size of a small soda bottle. Your Subnado goes where you go, conveniently in your carry-on luggage, with an airline-approved 98Wh battery to add more fun to your underwater journey. （Check airline and airport rules before flying because different airlines and airports may have different regulations.）
- Proprietary Battery System: Subnado using advanced 100W fast-charging technology, only takes 1.2 hours to fully charge its battery. 3-speed gear and cruise mode, which allows you to cruise through the water for up to 50 minutes. Charge any electronic device anywhere, anytime with Subnado’s 100W reverse charging. It delivers up to 14.33 lbs of thrust thanks to its proprietary, highly efficient propulsion system.
- Subnado Lite Includes: The Subnado Lite Set included Subnado Main Unit*1, Subnado Handle Bracket*1, Propeller Pin, Screws and several different sizes of O-rings for spare. Streamlining optional accessories, more convenient to carry.
- Value for Money: Subnado Underwater Scooter Lite where affordability meets exceptional performance. Designed with simplicity in mind, this sea scooter is perfect for both beginners and experienced divers. Its intuitive controls make it easy to operate, giving you more time to focus on the wonders beneath the waves.
- Guarantee Terms: The Subnado sea scooter is covered by an assurance that lasts between six months and a year from the date of purchase. The main unit comes with an assurance of one year, while the accessories (Twin Engine Handle Bracket, Handle Bracket, Wired Thumb Controller, Rear Cover, etc.) have a six-month guarantee. If the issue is determined to be covered by the terms, we shall make a repair or replacement at no cost to you.
Rank #4
- 🤽Innovative Design - Self-floating design to prevent the scooter from sinking, Child safety lock to prevent misoperation. Safe protective net to prevent fingers from accidental injury,The total weight of 10LB (4.7 kg) makes it easy to carry during travelling without any hassle.
- 🤽High Power Motor - Equipped with a powerful 600W dual motor, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this underwater scooter offers two speed settings f 1.8MPH(0.8m/s )and 4MPH(1.5m/s), enabling you to customize your aquatic exploration experience for varying skill levels and preferences.
- 🤽Action Camera Mount - Simplified user-friendly design for quick and simple use. Universal interface compatible with almost all sports cameras, allowing you to record everything underwater under the most direct angle of view when swimming.
- 🤽Big Capacity Battery - Enjoy extended underwater excursions with a battery capacity of 6A, providing a runtime of up to 30-40 minutes under optimal conditions, and a quick recharge time of just 2-3 hours.
- 🤽One-Hand Mode - Mankeel sea scooter allows you to wave at a shark or touch a turtle, thanks to its ingenious one-hand mode. As you hold the scooter with one hand, the motor on your side generates more power to retain balance and direction, freeing up your other hand to maximize the fun.
Rank #3
- Self-Floating & Detachable Buoyancy Chamber: The positive-buoyancy design allows the scooter to float back to the surface when released, helping prevent sinking or loss. Remove the buoyancy chamber for deeper diving, making it ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and freediving. Suitable for beginners, experienced divers, and users of different ages
- Positive Buoyancy and Strap-Free Design for Effortless Use: Unlike body-tethered underwater scooters, the Mix can be released whenever you want to swim freely or take a break. You do not have to carry extra weight on your body when it is not in use, helping conserve energy. No time-consuming straps or complicated installation—simply pick it up and start your underwater adventure
- 2-Speed Gear Switch & Powerful: Dual motors deliver 22 lbf of thrust with a 2-speed gear switch, 1.2 m/s (2.68 mph) for relaxed cruising or 1.6 m/s (3.58 mph) for an exhilarating ride, easily pulling multiple people through the water
- Long Battery Life & Removable Battery: Powered by a 11,000 mAh waterproof battery, offering up to 45 minutes of intermittent use, 30 minutes at continuous low speed, and 20 minutes at continuous high speed. Actual runtime may vary depending on rider weight and usage conditions. The removable battery design allows you to quickly swap in a fully charged battery without waiting for recharging. Optional purchase of additional batteries extends usage time
- User-Friendly & Safe: Easy to operate for both beginners and experienced users. Press and hold the left button for 3 seconds to power on, then press both the left and right switches simultaneously to start the scooter. Propeller guards provide added protection, while the 131-ft waterproof rating ensures reliable underwater performance
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