Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of control in flight due to pilot incapacitation as a result of a heart attack.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was participating in a fly-by demonstration at the eaa convention. During initial climb, the airplane was observed to enter a steep bank to the left followed by a steep descent into the terrain. No mechanical anomalies with the airplane were found. Post-mortem examination of the pilot revealed atherosclerotic changes in the heart. The local coroner ruled that death was due to 'cardiac event followed by crash.'
Source record
Factual narrative
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