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Casualties unknown

Airplane Crash Short of Destination Following Pilot Incapacitation (N8144J)

Midland, TX, US

On August 9, 1991, a Piper PA-28RT-201T (registration N8144J) operated by Stevens Operating Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Midland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was incapacitated shortly before impact, probably due to a major medical impairment. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane crashed in a shallow uncontrolled attitude about 3.5 miles from its intended destination while heading in the opposite direction. The pilot, who had received vectors and a landing advisory, was incapacitated shortly before impact due to a major medical impairment.

Accident Details

The airplane crashed approximately 3.5 miles from its intended destination while heading in the opposite direction. The impact occurred in a shallow uncontrolled attitude. Prior to the crash, the pilot had received vectors through an ARSA and a landing advisory from the UNICOM.

Pilot Condition

Review of ATC tapes from the departure and arrival segments revealed that the pilot was in extreme physical distress upon arrival. Analysis of the tapes and the pilot's medical history by a panel of flight surgeons indicated that the pilot was incapacitated shortly before impact, probably due to a major medical impairment.

Medical Findings

An autopsy revealed several artifacts indicative of several years of hypertension and ankylosing spondylitis. The pilot was taking medication for these conditions. However, the medications, taken in parallel, counteracted the antihypertensive medicine's effect. Additionally, toxicology samples revealed two pain medications, normally prescribed to alleviate the side effects of the prescriptions being taken for the medical conditions, in quantities above the normal therapeutic levels.

Probable cause

The pilot was incapacitated shortly before impact, probably due to a major medical impairment.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Aug 1991 Piper PA-28RT-201T accident near Midland, TX?

An airplane crashed in a shallow uncontrolled attitude about 3.5 miles from its intended destination while heading in the opposite direction. The pilot, who had received vectors and a landing advisory, was incapacitated shortly before impact due to a major medical impairment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Aug 1991 involved a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registration N8144J, operated by Stevens Operating Corp., at Midland, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot was incapacitated shortly before impact, probably due to a major medical impairment.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17858. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.