Fatal aircraft accident following pilot medical emergency

2 fatalities • Rock Hill-York County, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft crashed into the ground following a loss of control during its approach to the airport, following a medical emergency experienced by the pilot.

What happened

During the final approach to the airport, radar tracking indicated that the aircraft began a shallow left-hand descent, turning away from the airfield. At an altitude of approximately 650 feet above ground level, the aircraft's radar signal was lost while traveling at a ground speed of roughly 100 knots. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying on a southern heading before it entered a spiral or spin, ultimately impacting the ground in a nose-first position. The accident resulted in one fatality.

Findings

An inspection of the engines, flight controls, and the overall airframe revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or structural failure prior to the impact. Investigations into the pilot's condition revealed that he had suffered a heart attack during the flight. The pilot's medical history included heart disease, a previous myocardial infarction, and a history of bypass surgery. At the time of the incident, he was operating under a special issuance FAA medical certificate necessitated by these cardiovascular conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot suffered a fatal heart attack while in flight, leading to the loss of control of the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-08-20 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident near Rock Hill-York County, United States of America?

An aircraft crashed into the ground following a loss of control during its approach to the airport, following a medical emergency experienced by the pilot.

Were there any fatalities in the 1995-08-20 Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-08-20 involved a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601), registration N41GA, operated by Blair M. Bycura, at Rock Hill-York County, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot suffered a fatal heart attack while in flight, leading to the loss of control of the aircraft.

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