History of Flight
On September 19, 2020, at approximately 1845 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Cosmos Phase III weight-shift control aircraft, registration N7024L, was substantially damaged in an accident near Wayne, Oklahoma. The private pilot, sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot was taxiing on his property for a short flight. The pilot's wife did not witness the accident but heard a loud bang from inside the home. The aircraft was found upright against a fence next to a horse stable along a grass taxiway used to access a private grass runway. Substantial damage to the fuselage was noted.
The pilot's son reported that the pilot had recently replaced the throttle cable. After the replacement, the pilot stated that the cable was sticking. Whether any ground runs were performed to check throttle operation on the accident day was not determined.
Aircraft Information
The pilot's wife reported that he had owned the aircraft for less than three months. Maintenance records for the airframe, engine, and propeller were not available.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The aircraft came to rest about 500 feet from the airstrip. The right wing strut was on top of a large hay bale. FAA inspectors documented the site and examined the airframe and engine. All major structural components and flight controls were present. Flight control and engine control continuity were established. The three-blade propeller damage was consistent with rotation under power at impact. The fuel tank was intact and full. The ignition key was in the ON position.
The engine examination revealed that the throttle cable was installed correctly at the engine and cockpit, but lacked part number markings. At the cockpit control, the throttle cable had little to no movement and was jammed. However, it could not be determined whether this condition existed before the accident or resulted from impact.
Meteorological Information
The calculated density altitude at the accident site was 2,404 feet above mean sea level.
Medical and Pathological Information
Postaccident medical records indicated the pilot experienced cardiac arrest at the scene. Emergency medical services performed CPR for about 20 minutes, then transported him by air ambulance to a hospital. He was admitted to the trauma intensive care unit, sedated and on blood pressure support, with a breathing tube. Imaging revealed multiple serious injuries, including a brain injury; no significant preexisting natural disease was noted. Laboratory results were consistent with critical illness; no toxicology tests were documented.
The pilot's wife provided medical history: high blood pressure, knee replacements, and daily oral hydrocortisone (used for unknown inflammatory or adrenal reasons, not generally impairing). She reported the pilot was independent and active, and did not use alcohol or recreational drugs.
The pilot died on September 26, 2020, from progression of his brain injury. The death investigation report from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Oklahoma City listed cause of death as acute multiple blunt force trauma sequela, manner accidental. No autopsy was performed.
In a telephone interview, the pilot's wife stated he appeared healthy on the accident day and had no other medical conditions besides taking unspecified medication for high blood pressure (typically non-impairing).