Pilot Debrief

HANSEN IB C CASSUTT III M near Erie, CO — 2011-05-22

Final reportCEN11FA346
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Date
2011-05-22
Location
Erie, CO, USA
Airport
KEIK
Aircraft
HANSEN IB C CASSUTT III M
Registration
N420FH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot's incapacitation due to a cardiac event.

NTSB narrative

During the initial takeoff on the airplane's maiden flight, witnesses observed the airplane climb to about 300 feet above ground level, turn left, descend and impact the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any anomalies. An autopsy revealed that that the pilot's left anterior descending artery had up to 70-percent stenosis with 100-percent stenosis in many of the branches. With a lack of control-type injuries to the pilot's extremities, the medical examiner concluded that it was possible that the pilot experienced a sudden cardiac death shortly after takeoff.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have recognized health issues before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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