What happened
On 29 June 2022, a qualified pilot intended to fly from Blackpool Airport to another destination in a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BORL. Due to high crosswinds exceeding his personal limits, the pilot requested that a senior flight instructor accompany him for a single circuit to maintain flying club currency.
Following a prior trial lesson, the two crew members taxied the aircraft toward the runway. Shortly after departing Runway 2/28, the instructor's head fell backward. The pilot, believing the instructor was merely joking or pretending to nap, continued the circuit. During the base leg of the approach, the instructor slumped onto the pilot's shoulder. The pilot completed a normal landing and taxied back to the apron, at which point he realized the instructor was unresponsive. Despite immediate assistance from the airport fire crew and an air ambulance medical team, the instructor could not be revived.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation established that the instructor, a 57-year-old professional with over 8,000 flying hours, had died from acute cardiac failure. A post-mortem examination revealed significant coronary artery disease, specifically a blood clot obstructing the left main stem artery.
While the instructor held a valid Class 1 Medical and had been managing hypertension with medication, the CAA medical department noted that the level of coronary stenosis discovered was disqualifying. The investigation also reviewed the instructor's medical history, noting that while his blood pressure was within regulatory limits, his QRISK2 score indicated an elevated cardiovascular risk.
Findings
- The instructor suffered a sudden, fatal cardiac event during the takeoff phase of the flight.
- The instructor's death was caused by a coronary thrombus obstructing the left main stem artery.
- The pilot was able to maintain control of the Piper PA-28-161 and land the aircraft safely despite the sudden incapacitation of the second crew member.
- The instructor had a known history of hypertension and was under regular medical supervision.