NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On August 24, 1994, approximately 1145 Pacific daylight time (PDT), a Champion 7FC, N7598B, impacted the terrain while maneuvering near Tacoma, Washington. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, received fatal injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which departed Shady Acres Airport, Spanaway, Washington, about 10 minutes earlier, was in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation.

According to witnesses, the aircraft was maneuvering about 200 to 500 feet above the ground. The engine noise sounded normal and there was no smoke seen trailing from the plane. The witnesses stated that the airplane entered a shallow left turn which gradually increased. The nose of the airplane started to drop and the airplane descended into the terrain with the left wing and nose low.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot holds a private pilot certificate with single engine land and instrument ratings. The pilot's flight logbook was not located for review, therefore, the pilot's total flight time was obtained through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airmen Medical Records. The FAA reported that the pilot held a class three medical certificate dated March 21, 1985, that listed a restriction that the pilot must wear corrective lenses. At the time of this medical examination, the pilot listed a total flight time of 1,932 hours. The FAA records show that this was the pilot's last FAA medical certificate on record.

A family member reported that the pilot underwent bypass surgery in the recent past. This family member also reported that the pilot had been complaining of not feeling well for some time before the date of the accident, and that he had talked of making a doctors appointment.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The aircraft logbooks were not located for review, however, it was reported that the last annual inspection was performed sometime in 1992.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The wreckage was located on the large front lawn of a private residence. The ground was level and was covered with short mowed green grass. Trees of varying height from ground level to approximately 75 feet surrounded the lawn. Evidence of splashed fuel surrounded the main wreckage as the grass contaminated with the fuel was turning brown.

The nose of the airplane was positioned on a southwesterly heading. Approximately 20 feet in front of the main wreckage, a ground disturbance was noted as a shallow crater. In this crater was evidence of debris from the left wing tip. Trailing from this crater to the main wreckage, were small fragments of fuselage and wing fabric skin and interior items. The propeller was found separated from the crankshaft at the flange and located between the main wreckage and the crater. The propeller blades displayed minor bending and "S" turn deformation.

The wings remained in place and partially attached to the fuselage. The right wing displayed rearward leading edge crushing for the entire length of the wing. The right aileron remained attached to its respective hinges. The left wing displayed similar leading edge damage as the right wing, however, the left wing was found twisted to the inverted position and remained attached to the fuselage by the control cables. The left aileron remained attached to its respective hinges.

The fuselage body was crushed rearward and the nose area was bent and folded underneath the fuselage. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers remained intact. Both the rudder and elevators remained attached to their respective hinges. Complete control continuity could not be established due to the extensive deformation and compromise of the cable system.

The engine examination found that the crankshaft rotated easily. Rocker arm, valve train and accessory gear continuity was established. All spark plugs displayed normal operating signatures and one magneto produced a spark with hand rotation. The other magneto sustained impact damage and could not be tested. No evidence was found to indicate a mechanical failure or malfunction.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy was performed on the pilot at the Office of the Pierce County Medical Examiner, Tacoma, Washington, by Dr. Emmanuel Q. Lacsina. During the autopsy, examination of a portion of the ascending thoracic aorta showed one grafted vein with sutures. The Coroner reported evidence of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease with thrombosis of the left anterior descending branch and previous coronary artery bypass graft.

The autopsy reported stated that the pilot's cause of death was from multiple injuries. The report also stated that severe narrowing of the coronary arteries (arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease) was a contributing factor.

Toxicological samples were taken and sent to the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for analysis. The results of the tests revealed evidence of morphine and acetaminophen in the urine.

ADDITIONAL DATA

The wreckage was released to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department on August 24, 1994. Representatives for the pilot later moved the wreckage for security.

NTSB Probable Cause

PILOT INCAPACITATION DUE TO A HEART ATTACK.