ATP-Rated Pilot Fatally Injured in Cullman, Alabama Mishap

The NTSB has released its preliminary report on a 29 September 2023 accident in which an experimental category, amateur-built Smith Cozy Mark IV, registration N95SF, was substantially damaged and its Airline Transport Pilot-rated pilot (and sole occupant) suffered fatal injuries in the vicinity of Cullman, Alabama.

The accident-aircraft was operated as a private flight under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.

The NTSB set forth:

“According to a witness, he had spoken to the pilot earlier on the day of the accident. The pilot had indicated that he had just changed the propeller governor and was planning to fly over to the witness's field. The witness mentioned that the pilot often flew by just to say hello. While the witness was working outside, he heard the airplane approaching and looked up to watch the pilot fly over. He observed the airplane coming from the east, making a northward turn, and then turning south for a low pass. The pilot acknowledged him with a wave before initiating a climbing left turn. During this turn, he noticed an unusual ‘wiggle’ in the rear of the airplane, accompanied by a strange noise from the propeller that he described as a droning sound with fluctuating pitch. Subsequently, the airplane ‘stalled’ and impacted in a level attitude in the field.

“An examination of the airframe revealed that all flight control surfaces were still attached to the airframe. Flight control cable continuity was confirmed from the flight controls in the cockpit to the flight control surfaces. An inspection of the throttle and mixture control cables revealed that they were still connected to the engine controls. The propeller control lever in the cockpit was also still connected to the propeller governor, and continuity of the cable was established. Examination of the airframe showed that the fiberglass hull of the airplane was cracked. Both wing assemblies were broken and displaced aft at the wing roots. The engine remained in the cowling but had become detached from the engine mount. All four mounting bolts and nuts remained in place on the engine mount. Further examination revealed that the upper engine mount washers were missing, and the rubber bushings remained. Two thin washers were found on the bottom of the cowling, displaying hex-shaped holes where the nuts had extruded through.

“An examination of the engine revealed valvetrain continuity throughout the engine. Suction and compression were obtained while turning the crankshaft 360°. Examination of the propeller governor showed that the gear rotated when turned, and the screen was free of debris. The ignition system was intact, and upon removal of the spark plugs, they appeared gray in color, indicating normal operation. A borescope inspection of the engine cylinders did not reveal any anomalies.”

Weather conditions at the time of the accident—as observed approximately 25-nautical-miles northeast of the accident-site at Albertville Regional Airport (8A0)—consisted of Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), with clear skies, visibility ten-statute-miles, and winds 010° at four-knots

The accident-aircraft reportedly came to ground at approximately 12:00 CDT.

The presented information is preliminary and subject, therefore, to change.

Parties interested in learning more about the described occurrence should reference NTSB Accident Number ERA23FA382.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov