Flight History
At 1930 EST, a pilot departed Swainsboro, Georgia on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight. Approximately 12 minutes later, he informed Jacksonville Center that he was very dizzy and could not see. No further transmissions were received from the pilot. Radar tracking showed the aircraft maintained a heading of 110 degrees and an altitude of 9,000 feet until radar contact was lost at 2130.
Search Efforts
Attempts to locate the aircraft through aerial intercept were uneventful. All shipping vessels along the airplane's expected course were notified of the estimated fuel exhaustion point. No contact with the aircraft was reported, and the search was subsequently suspended.
Medical Background
Prior to departure, the pilot had mentioned to his wife that he had a headache. A review of the pilot's medical records revealed that he had twice indicated on his application for a medical certificate that he had a medical history of unconsciousness. Additionally, he was being treated for hypertension with Norvasc (amlodipine) and chlorthalidone prescription drugs.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was pilot incapacitation.