Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's physical incapacitation for reason or reasons undetermined.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The seventy-three year old private pilot was flying on a solo cross country flight. For reasons unknown he became physically incapacitated. The airplane descended until impacting the terrain in cruise flight. The airplane came to a stop after skipping and sliding for 1,450 feet. A hospital check revealed 9% carbon monoxide in the pilot's blood; however, a post accident examination of the airplane and the cockpit heat muffler, failed to reveal the source of exhaust fumes entering the cabin. The pilot said he is a non-smoker. He indicated that his last medical certificate was issued in 1988.
Source record
Factual narrative
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