Stuhlmiller Robert EUROPA N149RS

Summary

On 26 June 2015 at about 23:30 local time, a Stuhlmiller Robert EUROPA registered N149RS was involved in an accident near Beloit, Ohio, 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

26 June 2015 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Beloit, Ohio, United States

Coordinates

40.9106, -81.0000

Aircraft

Stuhlmiller Robert EUROPA

Registration

N149RS

Category

Airplane

Year built

2005

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Sebring → Sebring

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN15FA281

1 person died.

The pilot’s incapacitation in flight due to a cardiovascular event.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

A witness reported seeing the pilot depart the airport in the experimental amateur-built airplane. Shortly thereafter, an individual checking on crops found the wreckage of the airplane in a soybean field about ½ mile from the airport. First responders noted the smell of fuel at the accident site. An examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any pre-impact abnormalities. The engine examination found signatures consistent with rotation at the time of impact with terrain. The pilot had previously been issued a special-issuance medical certificate; however, at the time of the accident, he was flying under the sport pilot rules for medical requirements. A review of the pilot's medical records and autopsy report revealed a history of coronary artery disease and old scarring of the heart muscle. These factors increased the risk of a cardiovascular event that could result in sudden impairment or incapacitation. The autopsy report noted that a contributing factor to the cause of death was coronary artery disease and chronic hypertension. Therefore, it is likely that pilot experienced in-flight incapacitation due to a cardiovascular event.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.