Aviat A-1 N49369

Summary

On 19 June 2003 at about 21:25 local time, a Aviat A-1 registered N49369 was involved in an accident near Tyringham, Massachusetts, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 June 2003 at 21:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Tyringham, Massachusetts, United States

Coordinates

42.2575, -73.2275

Aircraft

Aviat A-1

Registration

N49369

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ellington → Tyringham

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC03FA132

1 person died.

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

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses near the accident site recalled observing the airplane approach the airstrip heading north. The airplane then reversed its direction and began to head south. The witnesses then heard the airplane's engine quit, followed by the sound of a crash. The airplane came to rest about 300 yards beyond the airstrip, in a near vertical attitude, alongside a riverbank, where a post-crash fire ensued. The report of the autopsy performed on the pilot noted "Final Anatomic Diagnoses" including: "Multiple traumatic injuries," "Hypertrophy of heart," "Arteriosclerosis," and "Acute intramural hemorrhage." The "Clinical Summary" noted in part that the pilot had "a past medical history of coronary heart disease. " Review of the pilot's personal medical records revealed that he had a history of hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and coronary artery disease. Post-accident toxicological testing noted 11% carbon monoxide detected in the blood, and the prescription medications atenolol and diltiazem detected in blood and urine. Review of FAA medical records revealed that the pilot indicated on his two most recent applications for a third class medical certificate "No" in response to "Do You Currently Use Any Medication," have "Heart or vascular trouble," or "High or low blood pressure."

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.