Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, a pilot with 1,142 hours of flight experience reported over the radio that he was experiencing "chest pains" and wished to return to the "ground." A witness observed the airplane heading south at an approximate altitude of 1,200 to 1,500 feet above ground level. The witness then saw the airplane execute a descending, 180-degree right turn. The aircraft continued to descend at an estimated rate of 150 to 200 feet per minute until it disappeared from the witness's view.
Witness Observations
The witness reported that the engine was "loud" and operating at full power during the turn. The landing gear was in the retracted position, and there were no "apparent difficulties" with the airplane noted by the witness.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
A post-incident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical deficiencies.
Pilot Medical Information
A review of the pilot's personal medical records indicated that in the months preceding the incident, the pilot had been diagnosed with high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol—all of which are risk factors for coronary heart disease.