On August 3, 1988, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N2956Z) operated by E. Dalton was involved in an aviation accident near Flushing, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot suffered a coronary seizure, as indicated by an acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery found during pathological examination. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Shortly after takeoff, an airplane climbing through 100-200 feet pitched up, banked right, and entered a spin before impacting the ground. Investigation found no preimpact failure, but pathology revealed pilot had acute coronary artery occlusion.
Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, as the airplane was climbing through about 100 to 200 feet above ground level, it was observed to pitch up. The aircraft then banked right and nosed down in what was estimated to be a 3/4 turn spin before impacting the ground.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination found no evidence of preimpact malfunction or failure of the aircraft structure or engine. A pathological examination of the pilot revealed extensive chest injuries and an acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The coroner believed the pilot suffered a coronary seizure.
Conclusion
The accident sequence was consistent with pilot incapacitation due to a coronary event, leading to loss of control shortly after takeoff.
Probable cause
The pilot suffered a coronary seizure, as indicated by an acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery found during pathological examination.