What happened
On April 19, 2010, a Piper PA-24-250 crashed near Madison, Indiana, shortly after 10:38 central daylight time. The aircraft, registration N5425P, departed from Madison County Airport (IMS) at approximately 10:30 for a local flight under visual meteorological conditions.
A witness observed the engine rev upward, followed by the airplane pitching up, rolling to the right into an inverted position, and then nose-diving toward the ground. The aircraft struck an open agricultural field about 4 miles northwest of the airport in a near-vertical attitude at a high rate of speed. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the engine remained attached to the engine mount, though the propeller hub was shattered. While the extent of the destruction prevented a full assessment of the airplane's preimpact condition, no preimpact anomalies were detected in the airframe, control system, or engine.
A review of the pilot's medical history revealed recent neurological symptoms, including increased memory problems, fatigue, and an episode of confusion and instability. Medical records from a visit one week prior to the accident noted the pilot was prescribed several medications, including the sedating narcotic propoxyphene and the sleep aid phenobarbital.
Toxicology testing performed by the FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute identified propoxyphene and phenobarbital in the pilot's liver and kidneys. Both medications carry warnings regarding the potential impairment of mental or physical abilities and are not approved for use by pilots under FAA regulations.