Accident Sequence
The airplane struck power lines and terrain during cruise flight. The pilot had just purchased the airplane and was flying cross-country. On the first day, he flew for 2.5 hours before stopping due to fatigue and a headache. He slept for 15 hours and resumed the flight the next morning. During the flight, he made one en route stop to purchase fuel and another to buy a sectional chart. After landing at the second airport, the pilot reported feeling fatigued and slept under the wing of the airplane for about one hour. He stated that shortly after taking off, he lost consciousness and did not regain it until after the accident.
Witnesses observed the airplane flying low before it contacted the power lines. A mechanic at the last departure airport reported that the pilot taxied into the grass, then taxied two-thirds of the way down the runway before taking off. The mechanic also stated that the airplane remained at tree-top level until it flew out of sight.
Pilot Background
The pilot did not hold a current airman certificate. He was an insulin-dependent diabetic and had undergone coronary bypass surgery two years prior to the accident.
Medical Findings
A review of the pilot's medical records failed to reveal a reason for his loss of consciousness. The pilot provided post-accident medical records to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB Medical Officer reviewed the records and spoke with the pilot's daughter, who is a physician. Emergency room records indicated that the pilot had a temperature of 101.7°F, a pulse of 105, and an oxygen saturation of 88 percent. Urinalysis and urine culture revealed a urinary tract infection. The NTSB Medical Officer's report stated that discussions with the pilot's daughter revealed, "A specific etiology for the pilot's unusual behavior in the days preceding and on the day of the crash has not been identified."
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident inspection of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction.