N294MVRobinson Michael E COZY MARK IV · 2016

On March 30, 2022, about 1330 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Cozy Mark IV, airplane, N294MV, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Tucson, Arizona. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that during the base turn to final, while descending at idle power, he noticed that the alternator indicator light was flashing and that there were no indications of engine rpm or manifold pressure. He further reported that there was no roughness or abnormal noise associated with the loss of power. The pilot immediately switched fuel tanks, confirmed that the boost pump was on, and noticed that the propeller was not windmilling. He attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees about 1,000 ft short of the runway threshold and sustained substantial damage to both wings.

Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. However, examination of the fuel system revealed a clogged fuel filter on the left fuel line from the left fuel tank to the engine. The fuel filter on the right fuel line also had contamination but was only partially clogged. The pilot stated that he had the left fuel tank selected at the time of the accident and normally selects it while flying in the traffic pattern.

A sample of the material that clogged the fuel filter was sent to the National Transportation Safety Board Materials Laboratory for analysis along with samples of two types of foams and uncured sealant material used in building the airplane for comparison. Spectrum analysis of the clogging material determined that its spectrum was consistent with an epoxide. A spectral library search found matches to several epoxy resins and sealants. The material sample did not match any of the samples submitted for comparison including the uncured sealant sample. However, the clogging material was noted to have cured based on its appearance and the similarities to the spectral matches found in the library search.

On February 1, 2017, about 1536 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Cozy Mark IV airplane, N294MV, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Anthony, New Mexico. The airline transport pilot and private pilot were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which had recently departed from Cielo Dorado Estates Airport (NM05), Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

The two pilots had been flying about 90 minutes, during which they accomplished several approaches in the local area. While executing a go-around from NM05, the private pilot applied full power and began a climb. About 400 ft above ground level, the pilots noticed a total and abrupt loss of engine power. Based on their perception that the power loss was due to a fuel issue, the pilots turned the fuel boost pump on and adjusted the mixture control, with no effect. The airline transport pilot accomplished a forced landing into a field, during which the right wing and fuselage were damaged.

The accident occurred on the second flight of the amateur-built airplane, which was equipped with a Lycoming IO-360-C1C fuel injected engine. Examination at the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed adequate fuel was present in both the left and right fuel tanks, with the fuel selector in the right tank position.

At the recovery location, a mechanic's examination revealed that all fuel lines and the fuel filter were intact and unobstructed. A small amount of sanding dust was observed in the fuel filter. The fuel boost pump was tested and determined to be operational. The fuel flow divider was removed and disassembled, which revealed a small amount of sanding dust. A flow check was conducted on the fuel nozzles, with no blockages or anomalies. During rotation of the propeller, the engine displayed normal continuity and magneto operation. No engine or fuel system anomalies were discovered that would have resulted in a loss of engine power.