The word is that the airplane was more than a handful to fly. It was a bit underpowered with the two motorcycle engines, and the forward-swept wings / funny tail made for some interesting handling characteristics.
The original design was meant for 500 mph top speed, which meant a razor's edge design for the late 1930's technology. Maybe that's why the replica was supposed be going to a museum after that fateful flight. You'd think after you spent a dozen years building a plane you'd want to fly the thing everywhere, right?? There must be a good reason it was going to be parked...
