Pilot Debrief

RANS S-12 near Scott, AR — 2011-07-09

Final reportCEN11FA467
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Date
2011-07-09
Location
Scott, AR, USA
Aircraft
RANS S-12
Registration
N3266R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control, likely due to a cardiac event.

NTSB narrative

According to data from a GPS receiver on board the airplane, the airplane made several turns just before it descended and impacted terrain. Examination of the wreckage and an engine run found no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane’s ballistic recovery system was found deployed; however, damage and deployment signatures were consistent with activation due to ground impact. An autopsy conducted on the pilot found a complete obstruction of the left main coronary artery. While it was not possible to determine if the pilot was experiencing a heart attack in flight, it is possible that the pilot experienced acute arrhythmia or acute myocardial ischemia (decrease in blood flow), which would have led to the pilot’s loss of airplane control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to avoid maneuvering before descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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