Pilot Debrief

DANKELMAN PETER G RV-7A near Marion, TX — 2013-06-28

Final reportCEN13LA377
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Date
2013-06-28
Location
Marion, TX, USA
Airport
1TE4
Aircraft
DANKELMAN PETER G RV-7A
Registration
N445RV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s sudden incapacitation and natural death as a result of cardiovascular disease.

NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported observing the pilot make two unsuccessful landing attempts in the dark at the unlit airport. The airplane's landing lights were not on. During a third landing attempt, the airplane collided with power lines and trees. The pilot had a history of heart disease and had been given a special issuance third-class airman medical certificate; however, it was not valid at the time of the accident. A toxicology report indicated the use of Losartan, a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure. Although the autopsy did not identify evidence of a recent heart attack, the autopsy did identify evidence indicating that the pilot was at risk for a sudden cardiac event that could result in incapacitation and concluded that the pilot died as a result of hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It is likely that the pilot's sudden incapacitation and death during the flight resulted in the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot attempted to land at an unlit runway without proper visibility.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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