Casualties unknown

Crew Dizziness on Commuter Flight Resolved with Oxygen; Investigation Inconclusive (N154ZV)

Pueblo, CO, US

On October 4, 1996, a Beech 1900D (registration N154ZV) operated by Mesa Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Pueblo, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Partial incapacitation of the flightcrew for unknown reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a scheduled commuter flight, both pilots experienced dizziness and disorientation, which dissipated after using supplemental oxygen. A normal landing followed. Subsequent investigation, including a test flight, found no evidence of cause.

Incident Description

A scheduled commuter flight encountered an unusual situation approximately 30 minutes after departure. While cruising at 13,000 feet MSL, both pilots reported feeling dizzy and disoriented. The crew donned supplemental oxygen, and their symptoms subsided. The flight continued to its intended destination and landed normally about 10 minutes following the onset of the symptoms.

Investigation

Investigators examined the aircraft, the crew, luggage, and cargo, but found no evidence of any problem. Neither crew member reported physical manifestations such as unusual smells or irritation. One passenger indicated a possibility of dizziness, but no other aircraft in the area at the time reported any difficulties.

A test flight was conducted with the same crew, aircraft, route, and altitude. During this flight, an industrial hygienist performed various tests, all with negative results. Additionally, the crew and aircraft were tracked for several months afterward, but no further insight was gained.

Conclusion

The investigation did not identify a specific cause for the dizziness experienced by the pilots. The incident remains unexplained.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06868. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.