Accident Overview
The aircraft impacted terrain during a night visual approach to an airport. The accident occurred following a partial loss of right engine power that happened during cruise flight. The pilot did not declare an emergency.
Flight Details
After the partial power loss, the pilot initially elected to divert to the airport of last departure, which was 37 nautical miles west of the accident airport. Air traffic control then informed the pilot of the location of the closer accident airport. During the approach, the pilot made three exclamations over the tower frequency accompanied by heavy breathing.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage and component testing did not reveal any mechanical problems that would have precipitated a partial loss of right engine power. The pilot's autopsy revealed evidence that a tear in the aorta (aortic dissection) had occurred prior to the accident. This tear resulted in the rapid accumulation of blood around the heart, substantially impairing heart function and leading to impairment or incapacitation.
Medical Context
This type of tear in the aorta typically presents with a sudden onset of severe pain. There is no testing for aortic dissection that would be routinely performed in the absence of such pain. The condition would most likely have been fatal regardless of the circumstances under which it occurred.