Incident Overview
A pilot en route from Arizona to California became nauseous and began vomiting, prompting him to advise air traffic control of his illness before radio contact was lost. The aircraft had descended from 16,500 feet mean sea level (msl) and was level at 10,500 feet msl on an established autopilot-controlled course toward its destination. The pilot later recalled losing consciousness and, upon regaining awareness, found himself over the ocean with the surface obscured by cloud cover.
Interaction with Navy Aircraft
A Navy F-18 fighter plane was observed to the pilot's left. The two pilots communicated briefly using hand signals, with the F-18 pilot indicating that the civilian pilot should turn toward land. The accident pilot determined he was 186 nautical miles southwest of his destination. He reversed course and attempted to contact air traffic control without success; another aircraft relayed his message. The pilot declared a medical emergency and advised that due to low fuel, he would not be able to return to land.
Ditching and Rescue
Within 10 minutes of the declaration, fuel was exhausted. The pilot configured the airplane for best angle of glide and ditched at sea at dusk. He exited the aircraft carrying a hand-held VHF radio, two flashlights, a cell phone, and a trash bag for flotation, then climbed onto the fuselage to await rescue. Approximately 30 minutes later, a Navy S-3B aircraft circled the downed plane until a rescue helicopter arrived and retrieved the pilot.
Pesticide Exposure
Before the flight, at his Arizona residence, the pilot sprayed for insects using the pesticide Dursban. During the process, he opened the spray container to replenish it, and built-up pressure sprayed vapor into his face. He cleaned himself and departed for the airport to return to Palomar. He purchased food for the flight and became ill shortly thereafter. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned Dursban from the commercial market as of June 8, 2000.