Accident Overview
A student pilot departed the small uncontrolled airport at Mount Airy, North Carolina, for a local flight. During the flight, the student became disoriented and lost. The first airport the student observed was Piedmont Triad International Airport, and he attempted to land on Runway 23.
Collision and Wake Turbulence
The student pilot attempted to land approximately 100 feet behind a DC-9 that was landing on Runway 23 at the same time. He encountered wake turbulence and crashed on the side of the runway.
Post-Accident Medical Findings
After the accident, it was discovered that the student pilot had a malignant tumor removed from the brain about a year earlier and was under heavy medication for that condition. It was also discovered that the student pilot was suffering from previously undiagnosed acute diabetes mellitus at the time of the accident.