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Airplane Comes to Rest Against Tree After Pilot's Downwind Leg Call (N7061K)

Greenville, MI, US

On September 20, 1994, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7061K) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, MI. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INCAPACITATION OF THE PILOT DUE TO A SEIZURE AND/OR LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY REPORT HIS MEDICAL INFORMATION ON HIS FAA MEDICAL APPLICATION. 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

A flight instructor observed an airplane that had come to rest against a tree after the pilot called inbound to downwind. Investigation revealed no mechanical anomalies. The pilot had been on epilepsy medication and had significant cardiac disease, per a pathologist.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor heard the pilot of the accident airplane call his entry to the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. After the instructor entered the traffic pattern, he observed the accident airplane, where it had come to rest against a tree.

Investigation Findings

An on-scene investigation revealed no anomalies with the airplane or engine.

Pilot Medical History

According to a sheriff's report, the pilot had been on medication for epileptic seizures; however, the attending doctor was not aware that he was a pilot. The pilot's last medical exam was on May 24, 1994, but reportedly, he had not provided information about his epileptic condition to the designated medical examiner during application for the medical certificate.

A pathologist that examined the pilot's body also noted that the pilot had significant cardiac disease. According to him, ". . . either of these maladies could have caused loss of consciousness-control . . . ."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 1994 Piper PA-20 accident near Greenville, MI?

A flight instructor observed an airplane that had come to rest against a tree after the pilot called inbound to downwind. Investigation revealed no mechanical anomalies. The pilot had been on epilepsy medication and had significant cardiac disease, per a pathologist.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 1994 Piper PA-20 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 1994 involved a Piper PA-20, registration N7061K, at Greenville, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INCAPACITATION OF THE PILOT DUE TO A SEIZURE AND/OR LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY REPORT HIS MEDICAL INFORMATION ON HIS FAA MEDICAL APPLICATION.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02220. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.