Cessna 182P N222CG accident near Avalon, California

Probable cause

The pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack, which resulted in a loss of airplane control.

NTSB analysis

While on approach to land, the pilot reported over the UNICOM frequency that he was not able to feel his left side. Subsequently, the airplane crashed about 2 miles from the airport. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Although diphenhydramine, an impairing medication, was detected in the pilot’s liver and brain, the available information does not allow a determination of postmortem levels. The autopsy findings noted severe coronary artery disease of the left and right coronary arteries. It is likely that the pilot suffered an incapacitating heart attack while in flight, which led to a loss of airplane control.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10FA324 for the full record.