Piper PA-22-150 N7603D

Summary

On 13 May 2011 at about 22:05 local time, a Piper PA-22-150 registered N7603D, operated by Olmsted Aaron JR, was involved in an accident near Benezette, Pennsylvania, United States. One person was on board and one died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 May 2011 at 22:05

Classification

Accident

Location

Benezette, Pennsylvania, United States

Coordinates

41.3389, -78.3747

Aircraft

Piper PA-22-150

Registration

N7603D

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Olmsted Aaron JR

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Cleveland → Warehouse Point

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA11FA299

1 person died.

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

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to several witnesses, the airplane was in cruise flight at "high" altitude when the wings rocked and the airplane entered an uncontrolled descent. The airplane "spun a long time" and the engine sound was described as surging during the descent. The pilot regained airplane control, leveled briefly, the sound of the engine became smooth and continuous, and the airplane climbed. Soon after, the wings rocked again; the airplane departed controlled flight, descended behind trees and terrain, and the sounds of impact were heard. A review of the pilot’s records and employment history revealed demonstrated abilities in many different types of airplanes, in all types of environments and weather conditions. An examination of the maintenance records and the wreckage revealed a properly restored and maintained airplane, with no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures noted that would have precluded normal operation. Interviews and the pilot’s medical records revealed he had a history of diabetes, and diabetes-related health issues that included neuropathy (numbness) of the feet. Review of the pilot’s medical records revealed that his diabetes was controlled by medication and diet and that he was eligible for a Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate. A review of the autopsy and toxicology reports revealed no obvious medical event suffered by the pilot before the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.