What happened
On 12 May 2001, a Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, registration G-ARIE, was involved in an accident at Osea Island, Essex. The investigation into the event examined the presence of carbon monoxide within the aircraft cabin.
The investigation
During the review of the investigation findings, a technical error was identified in the original publication of the discussion section. The initial text incorrectly attributed the high absorption rate of carbon monoxide to the human respiratory system.
Upon review, it was established that the physiological process involves haemoglobin. Specifically, the corrected finding states that because haemoglobin, which is found in human red blood cells, possesses a significantly higher affinity for carbon monoxide than for oxygen, even minimal leakage through bulkhead seals is sufficient to produce a life-threatening concentration of the gas within the cabin environment.