Sick Pilot's Erratic Maneuvers Trigger Fatal Structural Failure #atc

Date: Monday 22 January 2018 Time: 12:14 Van's RV-12 Owner/operator: Private Registration: N262WS MSN: 120262 Year of manufacture: 2011 Total airframe hrs: 95 hours Engine model: Rotax 912 ULS Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Destroyed Category: Accident Location: Lee County, Bonita Springs, FL - United States of America Phase: En route Nature: Private Departure airport: Fort Myers, FL (FMY) Destination airport: Everglades City, FL (X01) Investigating agency: NTSB A sport pilot departed on a VFR cross-country flight under clear weather conditions, climbing to 2,500 ft. During the flight, the pilot missed or failed to respond to multiple radio calls from air traffic control, deviated from assigned altitudes, and used incorrect radio terminology. Data from the airplane indicated that the pilot frequently flew at speeds above the plane's maximum structural cruise speed of 108 knots. About 4 minutes before the crash, the pilot began descending towards the destination airport. After acknowledging nearby traffic, the airplane's pitch increased slightly before sharply diving nose-down with a right roll. The pilot transmitted a "mayday" call as the roll continued, with the airspeed rising to 169 knots, 33 knots over the plane's safety limit. Engine speed also fluctuated beyond redline limits. The airplane's left wing failed in-flight due to overload, breaking off and striking the canopy as the plane exceeded its redline speed during the descent. There were no signs of mechanical malfunctions or pre-existing issues with the airplane. The pilot lacked a required FAA medical certificate, although not mandatory for sport pilots. His medical records showed diagnoses of hypertension, sleep apnea, depression, PTSD, and other conditions. The autopsy revealed significant coronary artery disease, although it’s unclear if a cardiac event contributed to the accident. Toxicology tests found multiple psychoactive medications in the pilot's system, but their specific effects at the time of the accident are unknown. The pilot’s heart condition and psychiatric disorders likely contributed to distraction or unsafe maneuvering. His mental state, potentially worsened by unreported psychiatric conditions and medications, along with no mechanical or weather-related issues, suggests his health led to the unsafe maneuvers that exceeded the aircraft’s limitations, causing the wing to fail mid-flight. If you like our contents please SUBSCRIBE to our channel https://www.youtube.com/@Flight_Follower All videos are licensed under Creative Commons or used under YT quidelines of 'Fair Use'i do not own or claim any video. credits goes to respective owners. if you have your videos used and want to make a change email me. so that we can solve the issue. The ATC audio is downloaded from Liveatc.net Email us at [email protected]