Incident Overview
According to recorded radar and voice tapes, the aircraft began deviating from its assigned headings, altitudes, and air traffic control instructions approximately 15 minutes after takeoff. The facilities working the flight described the aircraft's course of flight as erratic, with the behavior worsening as the flight continued. The pilot appeared to be disoriented. The aircraft drifted significantly off assigned airways and headings, and performed several 360-degree and 180-degree turns.
Pilot Symptoms and Flight Path
The pilot reported that after reaching cruise altitude, he began to experience blurred vision, headaches, and nausea. He stated that his breathing became labored and the controls became difficult to move. The flightpath of the airplane kept changing direction and altitude, and the pilot could not stay awake. The pilot's reported symptoms aligned with the observed erratic flight behavior.
Investigation Findings
Following the incident, investigators discovered many small leaks in the exhaust system, with gas pathways found leading into the cabin. Hospital tests for alcohol and drugs were negative. An FAA flight surgeon at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) reviewed the case and reported that the symptoms were consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning. Blood drawn 11 hours after the pilot entered a hospital retained a 3% saturation with carbon monoxide.