Fatal Plane Crash off California Coast: Victim Identified as Emma Willmer-Shiles | SEO-Optimized Title

Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Four People off California Coast

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A devastating airplane crash into the ocean off the California coast on Sunday has left the nation in shock. The aircraft, identified as the single-engine Cozy Mark IV, was pieced together meticulously over nearly a decade, a common practice among aviation hobbyists. Sadly, all four individuals on board are feared to have perished, with only one body having been recovered as of Thursday.

Home-Built Aircraft: A Rising Trend in Aviation Enthusiasts

The Cozy Mark IV is just one of the tens of thousands of home-built aircraft that have been gaining popularity across the country. These unique planes are constructed piece by piece by individuals, rather than being mass-produced by companies. The Federal Aviation Administration records show that the ill-fated plane was registered to Winged Wallabies, Inc., an Oakland-based company.

An Enthusiastic Pilot and a Traumatic Turn of Events

The Cozy Mark IV had been meticulously constructed by Thane Ostroth, a retired dentist who began building the plane in 1999 and took to the skies in 2008. Last year, Ostroth sold the aircraft to a young, experienced pilot from Australia for approximately $100,000. The buyer, in his late 20s, demonstrated impressive flying skills by flawlessly landing the plane on his first test flight. The tragic crash has left Ostroth deeply affected, as he had invested countless hours into building the aircraft.

Amateur-Built Aircraft and Safety Regulations

The Federal Aviation Administration requires all home-built planes, similar to commercial aircraft, to undergo annual inspections to ensure airworthiness. These amateur-built aircraft, including the Cozy Mark IV, have a safety record comparable to commercially manufactured planes of similar size. In fact, the number of licensed home-built aircraft has tripled since the 1980s, with over 33,000 currently registered with the FAA.

The Cozy Mark IV: A Unique and Exciting Plane

The Cozy Mark IV, known for its distinctive “canard” design, features a small forewing positioned in front of the main wing, resembling a stretched-out duck in flight. This lightweight plane, weighing only about 1,050 pounds when empty, is assembled using aircraft methodology and epoxy. With a top speed of nearly 200 mph, it is both fast and fuel-efficient, making it a popular choice among aviation hobbyists.

A Nation Mourns the Tragic Loss

The crash of the Cozy Mark IV has left the aviation community and the nation in mourning. As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.

Christopher Weber, The Associated Press