Accident Sequence
During a cross-country flight, the pilot became severely disoriented and was unable to operate the GPS or aircraft avionics correctly. Unable to verify the airplane's position or heading, he decided to land. Without an airport in the immediate area, the pilot executed a precautionary landing on a dirt road. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear struck a hole, causing the airplane to nose over.
Pilot Medical History
An examination of the pilot after the accident revealed a subdural hematoma, or bleeding in the brain. Approximately three months before the accident, the pilot had been involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained several injuries. About one week prior to the accident, he was released from his physician and was not aware of any medical condition that would have prevented him from operating an airplane. The day before the accident, the pilot completed a round-trip flight with no problems noted. At the time of the accident, the pilot was not taking any prescription medication or receiving treatment for any medical condition.