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Airplane Collides with Terrain; Autopsy Reveals Pilot's Cardiovascular Disease (N1548Y)

Datil, NM, US

On November 8, 2005, a Beech A36 (registration N1548Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Datil, NM. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The autopsy report indicated that the probable cause was an incapacitating event due to a cardiac dysrhythmia resulting from significant atherosclerotic narrowing of the left anterior descending artery. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane collided with hilly terrain 45 minutes into a cross-country flight during daytime VMC. Investigation found no mechanical issues. Autopsy revealed pilot had severe cardiovascular disease; report suggests cardiac event as cause.

Incident Overview

Approximately 45 minutes into a cross-country flight, the airplane collided with hilly terrain. The accident took place during daytime hours under visual meteorological conditions.

Investigation

Investigators examined the airframe, engine, and propeller for any anomalies. No issues were found that could have prevented normal operation prior to impact.

Autopsy and Medical Findings

A postmortem examination of the pilot revealed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including severe blockage of the coronary arteries and a clot in the left anterior descending artery. The autopsy report concluded that "the presence of significant atherosclerotic narrowing of the left anterior descending artery may have precipitated an abnormal heart rhythm (dysrhythmia) producing an incapacitating event during flight that resulted in the crash."

Probable cause

The autopsy report indicated that the probable cause was an incapacitating event due to a cardiac dysrhythmia resulting from significant atherosclerotic narrowing of the left anterior descending artery.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Nov 2005 Beech A36 accident near Datil, NM?

An airplane collided with hilly terrain 45 minutes into a cross-country flight during daytime VMC. Investigation found no mechanical issues. Autopsy revealed pilot had severe cardiovascular disease; report suggests cardiac event as cause.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Nov 2005 Beech A36 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Nov 2005 involved a Beech A36, registration N1548Y, at Datil, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The autopsy report indicated that the probable cause was an incapacitating event due to a cardiac dysrhythmia resulting from significant atherosclerotic narrowing of the left anterior descending artery.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051114X01832. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.