What happened
On September 24, 2016, a Cessna 172N, registration OH-COV, was performing a local flight at Tuulikki-Vampula aerodrome in Finland. The flight, which included two passengers, was underway when the pilot reported feeling unwell, prompting an earlier-than-planned landing.
During the approach to runway 28, the aircraft drifted toward an embankment, prompting a warning from a passenger. Although the pilot corrected the flight path, the aircraft veered right, striking a runway light pole with the right wing. While attempting to taxi back to the runway, the aircraft crossed a taxiway at a low speed and came to rest in an embankment. Shortly after exiting the aircraft, the pilot collapsed. Emergency services arrived promptly, but the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.
One passenger sustained injuries during the event and required hospital treatment.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's medical history and medical fitness to fly. While the pilot held a valid Private Pilot License (PPL), his Class 2 medical certificate had expired in October 2015. Although he held a valid LAPL medical certificate, he was flying under the requirements of his PPL.
Investigators examined the pilot's health records, which revealed a history of multi-vessel coronary artery disease and three previous myocardial infarctions within the last five years. The investigation also looked into the medical reporting obligations of physicians and the adequacy of risk assessment processes for pilots recovering from cardiac events.
Findings
- The immediate cause of the accident was the pilot suffering a myocardial infarction during the flight.
- The pilot had a significant history of coronary artery disease, including multiple recent heart attacks.
- The pilot was unaware of the specific medical reporting obligations and the limitations regarding his medical certification.
- There was a lack of effective risk assessment regarding the cumulative risk of recurrent heart attacks in the medical certification process.
- In Finland, unlike in road traffic, general physicians do not have a statutory obligation to report health changes that could impair a pilot's fitness to fly to the relevant authorities.
Safety action
- The investigation recommended that ICAO implement a risk management model for evaluating pilots who have experienced recurrent myocardial infarctions.
- It was recommended that EASA improve the risk management training and consultation skills of aero medical examiners.
- A recommendation was made to the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications to unify medical reporting obligations between road traffic and aviation to improve safety.