On July 19, 1985, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N71MA) operated by North Coast Aviation - USA was involved in an aviation accident near Erie, United States of America in flight. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: undetermined - Phase of operation: cruise - normal. Findings: 1. Radio communications - not maintained - pilot in command. 2. Instructions, written/verbal - not followed - pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
The pilot of Air Ohio Flight 21 failed to respond to ATC during IFR cruise, continued on course for 40 minutes, then disappeared from radar over Lake Erie. The pilot had not slept for about 30 hours. Both occupants were killed.
Incident Overview
Air Ohio Flight 21 was conducting a normal IFR cruise flight when the pilot did not respond to air traffic control instructions. The aircraft continued for 40 minutes without any reply and maintained its altitude and heading. The discrete radar target then disappeared over Lake Erie.
Pilot Condition
The pilot had not slept for approximately 30 hours prior to the loss of communication response. This fatigue was identified as a factor in the accident.
Collision and Casualties
The aircraft subsequently collided with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent. Both occupants on board were killed.
Official Findings
The probable cause of the accident is based on two occurrences. Occurrence #1: undetermined, during cruise-normal phase. Findings: the pilot in command did not maintain radio communications and did not follow written/verbal instructions. Occurrence #2: in-flight collision with terrain/water during descent-uncontrolled phase. Findings: the terrain was water, rough; and the pilot in command suffered from fatigue due to lack of sleep.
