William Russell thought his dream of a hybrid boat-plane was finally taking off as he saw his Flarecraft rise above Long Island Sound one recent morning.

FORBES: A Wing and a Prayer

Less than a minute into the demo, the Flarecraft pitched up into the air, crashing on its side in a shower of water and plane parts.

FORBES: A Wing and a Prayer

With a 225hp Continental aircraft engine, 21-foot wingspan and an airplane-shaped body, the Flarecraft can travel 350 miles in three and a half hours on 47 gallons of fuel.

FORBES: A Wing and a Prayer