Pilot with Lapsed Medical Causes Crash During Go-Around

Casualties unknown • Soldotna, AK, US

A pilot with a lapsed medical certificate and history of disequilibrium crashed while attempting to land, resulting in fatalities after erratic maneuvers.

What happened

Witnesses observed the aircraft maneuvering erratically near the airport and anticipated an accident. The first approach to runway 25 was described as erratic with minimal apparent control, including an abrupt pull-up, stall, bounce, and go-around in a left pattern at 300 feet above ground level. The second base leg involved a very shallow, flat, or skidding turn before the aircraft disappeared behind trees.

Findings

The pilot had a history of disequilibrium and had intermittently been taking Dyazide for hypertension of unknown doses. All of the pilot's physicians and surgeons declined to provide information. The pilot had not obtained a medical certificate since December 28, 1977.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the go-around maneuver, attributed to his history of disequilibrium and lapse in medical certification.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1983-04-25 Piper PA-18 accident near Soldotna, AK?

A pilot with a lapsed medical certificate and history of disequilibrium crashed while attempting to land, resulting in fatalities after erratic maneuvers.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1983-04-25 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N4396Z, at Soldotna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the go-around maneuver, attributed to his history of disequilibrium and lapse in medical certification.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42576. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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