Not a real good idea to catch any plane with engines (motors) running.F.C.
Floyd,
If you listen to the tape and look carefully, you will see the pilot killed the engine just a tad before his helper caught it.
It was close.
Also, as you said, not really a good thing to do, electric or not.
Don't know if this was the first flight, but certainly a great time for all involved.
The hobby, doing what it's suppose to do. Bring enjoyment into lives.

Charles