Casualties unknown

1991-09-03: Bellanca 7ECA (N5035J) — Howard Redeker — Algonquin, IL

Algonquin, IL, US

On September 3, 1991, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5035J) operated by Howard Redeker was involved in an aviation accident near Algonquin, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INCAPACITATION OF THE PILOT DUE TO A HEART ATTACK. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A passenger without a pilot certificate assumed control of an airplane after the pilot/owner became unconscious during climb. The passenger returned to the airstrip and landed, but the airplane swerved off the runway, collided with crops, and nosed over.

Incident Overview

A flight originating from a private landing strip experienced an unusual sequence of events when the pilot/owner became incapacitated shortly after takeoff. A passenger who was not a licensed pilot took over control of the airplane, returned to the departure airstrip, and attempted to land. The touchdown on the runway was followed by a loss of directional control, leading the aircraft to swerve off the runway surface. The airplane subsequently collided with crops and nosed over.

Sequence of Events

The flight began at a private landing strip. During the initial climb phase, the pilot/owner suddenly lost consciousness and slumped forward over the controls. In response, a passenger in the airplane, who held no pilot certification, assumed control of the aircraft. The passenger maneuvered the airplane back to the same airstrip from which it had departed. A landing was executed on the runway. After touchdown, during the landing roll, the airplane swerved off the runway. It continued into an adjacent crop field, where it collided with vegetation and nosed over.

Aftermath

The source provides no information regarding injuries to the pilot/owner or passenger, nor does it specify the extent of damage to the airplane. Further details about the pilot/owner's medical condition or the passenger's prior flying experience are not available. The investigation into the incident continues.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18059. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.