A stunt using a drone to deliver the first asparagus of the season to a Michelin-starred restaurant in Etten-Leur went spectacularly wrong on Wednesday, when the drone crashed onto a country road.

Every year, Ronald Peijenburg, owner of restaurant De Zwaan in Noord-Brabant, arranges a novel way to start off the asparagus season. In the past he has used a hot air balloon, a helicopter and a Formula 1 racing car to make the trip.

This year Peijenburg opted for a drone. Despite the mist, the trip started well enough and a landing to change the battery was also a success. But shortly after the second take off, the drone crashed to the ground and burst into flames, toasting the asparagus it was carrying.

Despite the crash, asparagus will be on the menu at the restaurant on Wednesday evening, the disappointed owner said.