Incident Overview
A private pilot was flying with two passengers when, after leveling off at 2,500 feet and pointing out an old naval base to the front-seat passenger, the pilot slumped over the yoke. The rear-seat passenger held the pilot off the controls while her husband, who was not a pilot, attempted to land the aircraft.
Attempted Landing
The non-pilot husband initially aimed to land on the taxiway of the old naval base but missed it, instead attempting to land in a cotton field. As the aircraft approached, he spotted a house at the end of the field and turned just prior to touchdown. The aircraft subsequently hit a ditch at the end of the field and bounced up onto the taxiway.
Medical Response
Emergency medical services attended the scene. The pilot did not respond and was pronounced dead at the hospital.