On July 6, 1997, a Mooney M20A (registration N8394E) was involved in an aviation accident near White Bear, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot suffered an intra cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) during flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced a stroke shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of control and the aircraft crashing into a lake. The airframe and engine showed no pre-impact anomalies.
Emergency Call and Loss of Contact
About four minutes after takeoff, a person in the airplane contacted the airport tower, reporting an emergency. The speaker's voice was garbled, and the nature of the emergency was not clearly stated. The tower controller cleared the airplane to return to the airport and instructed the pilot to report downwind. The airplane then flew over the tower and subsequently out of sight. The pilot did not respond to any subsequent radio calls.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses reported seeing the airplane flying approximately 30 feet above the surface of a lake. The airplane then entered a steep climbing right-hand turn. According to witnesses, the airplane climbed to about 50 feet above the water before descending into the water. One witness reported seeing the airplane contact the water with its right wing and engine simultaneously.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no anomalies that would have prevented flight. The medical examiner's autopsy showed that the pilot had suffered an intra cerebral hemorrhage (stroke).
Probable cause
The pilot suffered an intra cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) during flight.