Small Home-Built Airplane Crashes Off California Coast: FAA Investigates
A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when a small home-built airplane crashed into the ocean off the coast of California, just south of San Francisco. The single-engine Cozy Mark IV, which had been constructed over nearly a decade, went down in the evening. Federal investigators believe that four people were aboard the aircraft, but no survivors have been found. As of Thursday, only one body had been recovered from the waters near Half Moon Bay and identified. The names of the pilot and two other passengers have not been released.
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The plane was registered to an Oakland-based company called Winged Wallabies, Inc., according to Federal Aviation Administration records. While there have been no official indications of what caused the crash, a witness reported hearing the engine losing power and cutting out.
The Cozy Mark IV was sold last year by Thane Ostroth, a retired dentist who had spent years building and flying the aircraft. He described the buyer as a young, experienced, and enthusiastic pilot from Australia. Ostroth was impressed with the pilot’s skills, as he managed to land the plane perfectly on his first test flight. It is not yet known if the plane’s owner was among the passengers on board.
Home-built aircraft, such as the Cozy Mark IV, have been gaining popularity among aviation hobbyists across the country. These planes, which are constructed by individuals rather than mass-produced by companies, are required to be inspected annually by the FAA for airworthiness. The safety record of home-built planes, including Cozy aircraft, is comparable to commercially built planes of similar size.
The Cozy Mark IV, with its unique “canard” design, is a lightweight and fuel-efficient aircraft. It has a top speed approaching 200 mph and is favored by many aviation enthusiasts for its stability and performance.
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Building a home-built plane requires meticulous attention to detail and the assembly of various parts purchased from authorized suppliers. Enthusiasts often seek advice and support from online forums and fellow builders. Thane Ostroth, who built his Cozy Mark IV in Michigan before relocating to Florida, described the process as a labor of love.
The crash of the Cozy Mark IV is a devastating event for the aviation community. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the wreckage and interviewing witnesses. A preliminary report is expected to be released within 30 days.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in aviation, even for experienced pilots. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of those affected by this devastating event..
