On October 4, 1991, a North American NAVION (registration N91577) operated by Bryce V. Rogers was involved in an aviation accident near Ola, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INCAPACITATING HEART ATTACK WHILE IN FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a pleasure flight, an airplane collided with terrain in a level flight attitude. Investigators found no mechanical failures. The pilot's autopsy revealed severe coronary atherosclerosis involving both coronary vessels, and he was taking medication for lipid regulation.
Accident Summary
The aircraft was on a pleasure flight when it impacted terrain while maintaining a level flight attitude. No specific details about the time, location, or aircraft type have been released from the investigation.
Mechanical Examination
Following the accident, investigators examined the airplane and found no evidence of mechanical failures or malfunctions. The aircraft's systems and structure appeared to have been operational at the time of impact.
Pilot Autopsy Results
A postmortem examination of the pilot was conducted. The autopsy results indicated that the pilot had severe coronary atherosclerosis, with multiple sections of both the right and left coronary vessels affected. Additionally, the pilot was found to have been taking prescription medication for lipid regulation, which is commonly used to manage cholesterol levels.