What happened
On November 27, 2024, at approximately 18:30 CST, a Cozy MK III, registration N51810, was destroyed following an accident near Mineola, Texas. The aircraft departed Houston Southwest Airport (AXH) at approximately 17:20 for a flight to Cox Field Airport (PRX) in Paris, Texas. The flight was being conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and the pilot was receiving VFR flight following services.
The aircraft impacted a densely forested area located roughly 60 nautical miles south of PRX. The impact left a crater approximately 7 feet in diameter and 3 feet deep, which contained the engine and the remainder of the propeller. Nearby trees showed branches with 45° angle cuts and a broom-straw appearance. A debris field extending approximately 45 feet from the crater was identified, consisting of the vertical stabilizers, rudders, nose canard pieces, ailerons, wing fragments, the acrylic canopy, and the main landing gear.
There were 2 fatal injuries involving the pilot and the passenger.