On March 21, 1983, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N1057Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Rochester, IL. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft broke up during descent after the pilot reported severe chest pains and shortness of breath to Kansas City ARTCC. Radar contact was lost at 1425 CST. Witnesses saw the aircraft spin out of clouds and separate pieces fall. Autopsy determined the pilot died of atherosclerotic coronary artery heart disease.
Incident and Medical Details
The aircraft broke up in flight during its descent. The pilot had radioed Kansas City Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) to report severe chest pains and shortness of breath. He stated that he was manually flying the aircraft. Radar contact with the aircraft was lost at 1425 CST. Witnesses observed the aircraft emerge from clouds in a spin and saw separate pieces of the aircraft falling after the main portions had descended. The engine sounds heard by witnesses made the impression that the aircraft was performing stunts. An autopsy later determined that the pilot's cause of death was atherosclerotic coronary artery heart disease. The pilot had been hospitalized in October 1992 due to chest pains. He was tested for coronary problems, but no evidence of coronary disease was found. He was treated for hypertension but reportedly did not take his medication.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Mar 1983 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Rochester, IL?
An aircraft broke up during descent after the pilot reported severe chest pains and shortness of breath to Kansas City ARTCC. Radar contact was lost at 1425 CST. Witnesses saw the aircraft spin out of clouds and separate pieces fall. Autopsy determined the pilot died of atherosclerotic coronary artery heart disease.
Were there any fatalities in the 21 Mar 1983 Piper PA-32R-300 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Mar 1983 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N1057Q, at Rochester, IL.
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