Why horrible? IF you shoot a planes wing off or tail off the noob thief cant steal the kill. Its all win/win.
I was going to say I like the new model. Can tell you I had 3 consecutive kills a few months ago where I blew wings off and tails off and then watch people steal the kills as they float down.
However, back on the subject. I've had the same thing happen as the original poster and no missing parts.