Bellanca 7GCBC N289PS accident near Reedville, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s sudden incapacitation by an episode of abnormal heartbeat due to heart disease during a takeoff attempt, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane was departing from a turf runway. The pilot recalled advancing the throttle for takeoff, but lost consciousness and could not recall anything that occurred after that point until a bystander helped him from the wreckage of the airplane. The airplane had impacted trees off the side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. After the accident, the pilot and a mechanic examined the airplane and found no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

A postaccident review of the pilot’s FAA medical certification history and his postaccident medical care records confirmed that the pilot had likely been incapacitated by an episode of abnormal heartbeat due to heart disease. At the time of the accident, the pilot did not hold current FAA medical certification. Although he had completed some requirements for BasicMed, his known medical history, which included multiple cardiovascular conditions, disqualified him from legally operating under BasicMed.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA005 for the full record.