The airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees at about 0910 Eastern time while on approach to land. The Private pilot and single passenger aboard were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane was in cruise at 7000 feet msl when the pilot declared a medical emergency and requested to divert. The pilot advised ATC he believed his passenger was experiencing diabetic “tremors.” In a subsequent transmission he advised ATC that he was “wrestling with the other guy.” The pilot later advised the airport in sight and was cleared for a straight-in visual approach. The pilot did not acknowledge the clearance and radar contact was lost moments later. According to witnesses, the airplane was observed on final approach for Runway 13 when it “suddenly veered hard right” and struck trees.
April 19, 2007, Danville, Va., Grumman American AA-5B
The airplane was destroyed when it impacted trees at about 0910 Eastern time while on approach to land. The Private pilot and single passenger aboard were fatally injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The airplane was in cruise at 7000 feet msl when the pilot declared a medical emergency and requested to divert. The pilot advised ATC he believed his passenger was experiencing diabetic "tremors."
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed during approach, fatally injuring the private pilot and single passenger aboard.
- The pilot declared a medical emergency, reporting his passenger had diabetic "tremors" and he was "wrestling with the other guy."
- After being cleared for a visual approach, the pilot did not acknowledge, lost radar contact, and the aircraft suddenly veered right on final approach before impacting trees.
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