Accident Details
On September 28, 2014, at about 1000 Atlantic daylight time, a Britten-Norman BN-2A-26, registration N906GD, collided with a ditch after the pilot reported losing consciousness while taxiing for takeoff. The incident occurred at Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport (TJRV) in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. The airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries, and the six passengers were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was registered to Air Charter Incorporated and operated by Air Flamenco under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an on-demand air taxi flight from TJRV to Benjamin Rivera Noriega Airport (TJCP) on Isla de Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that prior to the flight, it was extremely hot that day and he had not eaten breakfast. While taxiing to the runway, he felt dizzy, lost consciousness, and subsequently the airplane veered off the taxiway and came to rest in a ditch. When the pilot regained consciousness, the engines were still running, and the passengers were asking what they should do. The pilot shut down the engines and instructed the passengers to open and exit through the rear of the airplane. All passengers exited through the rear doors and gathered on the taxiway behind the airplane. The pilot then exited, verified that there were no injuries, and called for emergency services.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose gear firewall.
Medical Review
A review of the pilot's most recent medical evaluation, dated September 25, 2014, for an FAA first-class medical certificate, indicated that the pilot was in good health and had only limitations for wearing corrective lenses. No reports of any medications or visits to health care providers were found in the medical history forms submitted as part of his exams.
Weather Conditions
The recorded weather at TJRV at 0853 included wind from 160 degrees at 5 knots, visibility of 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature of 28°C, dew point temperature of 25°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.01 inches of mercury.