Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182P near Avalon, CA — 2010-07-01

Final reportWPR10FA324
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Date
2010-07-01
Location
Avalon, CA, USA
Airport
AVX
Aircraft
CESSNA 182P
Registration
N222CG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1

Probable cause

The pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

NTSB narrative

While on approach to land, the pilot reported over the UNICOM frequency that he was not able to feel his left side. Subsequently, the airplane crashed about 2 miles from the airport. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although diphenhydramine, an impairing medication, was detected in the pilot’s liver and brain, the available information does not allow a determination of postmortem levels. The autopsy findings noted severe coronary artery disease of the left and right coronary arteries. It is likely that the pilot suffered an incapacitating heart attack while in flight, which led to a loss of airplane control.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot reported medical issue; could have landed immediately.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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