Incident Overview
During a flight from Arizona to California, the pilot experienced nausea and began to vomit. He advised air traffic control that he was sick, after which radio contact was lost. The aircraft had descended from 16,500 feet mean sea level (msl) and was on an established course to its destination, level at 10,500 feet msl, being flown by the autopilot. The pilot's last recollection was approaching his destination.
Loss of Consciousness and Rescue
When the pilot regained consciousness, he looked outside and saw that the surface was obscured by cloud cover. On his left side was a Navy F-18 fighter plane. The two pilots briefly communicated via hand signals, with the F-18 pilot indicating that the pilot should turn around toward land. The accident pilot determined he was 186 nautical miles southwest of his destination and over the ocean, so he reversed course.
Attempts to contact air traffic control were unsuccessful; another aircraft relayed the pilot's message. The pilot declared a medical emergency and stated that due to low fuel, he would not be able to return to land. Within 10 minutes, the fuel was exhausted, and the pilot configured the airplane for the best angle of glide and ditched at sea. He descended through low stratus clouds and ditched the airplane in the ocean at dusk.
Post-Ditching and Rescue
After exiting the aircraft, the pilot took a handheld VHF radio, two flashlights, a cell phone, and a trash bag for flotation. He climbed onto the fuselage to await rescue as darkness fell. Approximately 30 minutes later, a Navy S-3B aircraft circled the downed plane until a rescue helicopter arrived and rescued him.
Pesticide Exposure
Earlier, at his Arizona residence, the pilot had sprayed for bugs and insects using the pesticide Dursban. While replenishing the spray container, built-up pressure sprayed the vapor into his face. He cleaned himself up and then departed for the airport for the return flight to Palomar. He had bought food to eat during the flight, and shortly thereafter became sick. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned Dursban from the commercial market as of June 8, 2000.