Event Description
A pilot reported that on the day of the accident, he awakened before daylight to obtain a weather briefing for the continuation of his flight. He stated that he did not have breakfast and was 'painfully hungry' before departure. The departure airport field elevation is 4,245 feet above mean sea level.
Flight and Symptoms
After takeoff, the pilot climbed to 12,500 feet. When he attempted to open the valve for the oxygen, he reported that he could not turn it because his hand was too weak. He continued the flight and reported confusion about turning points, altitudes, and distances, and that he felt 'woosy.' As he approached his destination, he had difficulty determining pattern altitude and was having trouble staying awake.
Approach and Landing
The pilot stated that while on final approach, the airplane was low, and with great difficulty, he pushed the throttle forward. As the aircraft crossed the end of the runway, the pilot did not feel that he was doing anything to control the airplane and felt that he was half asleep. The airplane landed hard and fast with the throttle still open. The airplane turned off to the left and exited the side of the runway. The nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over.
Medical Observation
The pilot reported that shortly after admission to the hospital at Jackson, he was told that his blood oxygen level was still down at only 60%.