Pilot Debrief

GERDTS MARK E RV7A near Weston, FL — 2016-07-03

Final reportERA16FA238
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Date
2016-07-03
Location
Weston, FL, USA
Aircraft
GERDTS MARK E RV7A
Registration
N1075F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight in the airplane, which he had recently purchased. Radar data showed that about 15 minutes after takeoff, the airplane was in cruise flight when it suddenly entered a left descending turn that continued to terrain impact. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions, and weather was not a factor. The 78-year-old pilot had a medical history that included coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and the placement of a pacemaker. The pilot's heart disease could have contributed to the accident; however, the autopsy provided limited information and a readout of the pilot's pacemaker showed no evidence of arrhythmia around the time of the accident. Toxicology testing detected ethanol that was from postmortem production rather than ingestion. The investigation could not determine if some other medical event resulted in incapacitation or why the pilot may have lost control of the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to abort the flight due to potential health concerns.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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