19991126047679A

(.4) The pilot departed on an instrument flight plan in instrument conditions, contacted departure control, and then reported a gyro problem. The airplane continued to fly for approximately 2 minutes. During this period, heading, altitude, and airspeed continued to change; and the pilot did not comply with any ATC instructions. The airplane crashed into a residential area. The pilot had approximately 5,800 hours of total flight experience, with 120 hours of that in the last 6 months. In addition, he had 1,308 hours of actual instrument experience. Static marks consistent with no or little rotation were observed on the horizontal-situation-indicator-gyro rotor. Toxicological test performed on the pilot revealed 3.239 (ug/ml, ug/g) of butalbital (a barbiturate) in muscle. On a non FAA 'adult physical examination' form physician's notes indicate 'past medical history: migraine headaches-uses fiorinal [butalbital (a barbiturate), aspirin, and caffeine] up to 2 times per week...'. The 1999 physician's desk reference lists the most frequent adverse reactions to fiorinal as drowsiness and dizziness. From 1992 to October 1999, the pilot was prescribed over 6,000 tablets of fiorin a or the generic equivalent, with 800 of that being in the last year. On all the pilot's FAA medical applications, he stated he was not taking any prescription or nonprescription medication, and had never suffered from severe or frequent headaches. (-23) on November 26, 1999, about 1053 eastern standard time, a Beechcraft BE-35, N8992, was destroyed when it impacted a building in a residential area. The certificated airline transport pilot and the two passengers received fatal injuries. In addition, 24 individuals on the ground received varying degrees of injuries, from minor cuts to third degree burns. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed for the personal flight, conducted under 14 CFR part 91, that departed linden, new jersey about 1049. Examination of radar data showed a target using the assigned transponder code heading east at 1,100 feet when the pilot first reported a problem. Over the next two minutes, the target's ground track changed from east to north to northeast, and then back to north. During the 20 seconds before impact, the target climbed from 2,100 feet and then began about a 7,800 foot-per-minute descent. The airplane impacted an abandoned three-story brick building, approximately wings level, leaving a debris path over 700 feet long. Initial examination of both the engine and airframe revealed no pre-impact failure or malfunctions. A review of ATC communication tapes revealed that after departing linden, the pilot contacted new york departure control and was instructed to turn left to a heading of 010 degrees, and climb to 5,000 feet. Thirty-five seconds after that, the controller instructed the pilot to turn left to a heading of 270 degrees, to which the pilot did not reply. The controller then re-issued the heading, and the pilot responded, "I have a problem" the controller inquired the problem and the pilot responded, "I have a gyro problem, maybe some water got in it." During the next 1 minute, and 22 seconds, two more transmissions were received from the pilot. In both cases, he stated, "I have a problem." But no futher explanation was given to the nature of the problem. Approximately 2 minutes after the pilot initially reported difficulties the airplane impacted a building.