Pilot Debrief

CESSNA T310R near Latrobe, PA — 2008-08-31

Final reportMIA08FA177
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Date
2008-08-31
Location
Latrobe, PA, USA
Airport
LBE
Aircraft
CESSNA T310R
Registration
N3180M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot's impairment/incapacitation (cardiovascular) resulting in the pilot being unable to control the airplane.

NTSB narrative

A witness reported that she was outside of her home when she saw the two-engine airplane flying low over her house. The airplane flew with "the left wing up and the right wing down," the engines sounded like they were "running at full power," and the airplane was "descending very fast." As she watched the airplane clear trees and disappear from view, she heard a "thud" which was followed by a plume of white and gray smoke. She then ran towards the smoke, and found the downed airplane in a heavily wooded area. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot did not hold a current Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate and had been hospitalized for congestive heart failure several months prior to the accident. The pilot’s cardiologist stated the decedent should not have been flying with his medical condition.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should not have flown due to serious medical conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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