# NTSB MKC88FA098: Beech A-23-19, N3618Q, Big Island, AR, May 27, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 27, 1988, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Big Island, AR
- Coordinates: 33.890548, -91.250457 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8905&lon=-91.2505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34495
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88FA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34495/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88FA098

## Probable cause

INCAPACITATION OF THE PILOT DUE TO A MEDICAL EVENT WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - physical impairment(other cardiovascular), pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED AN INCAPACITATING MEDICAL EVENT WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE INITIAL SEGMENT OF TAKEOFF. AUTOPSY FINDINGS LISTED THE CAUSE OF DEATH AS 'DROWNING IN ASSOCIATION WITH ARTERIOSCLEROTIC HEART DISEASE'. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE WATERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND SUBMERGED IN APPROXIMATELY 12 FEET OF WATER. THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS FATALLY INJURED AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE, TO INCLUDE THE ENGINE, FAILED TO REVEAL EVIDENCE OF ENGINE OR AIRFRAME MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3618Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3618Q-2013-09-17), registration cancelled 2013-09-17, S/N MB-248, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech A-23-19 (A-23-1900)
- Registry model: [Beech A23-19](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-a23-19) (registry code 1151212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MB-248
- Airframe hours: 2363
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2C 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Greg Casteel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 2, 1987, 43 hours before
- Destination: 7M1, MCGHEE, AR
- Airport: Big Island

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 274 total, 10 in this make and model, 230 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GLH, 64 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19880527016269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880527016269A), May 27, 1988: Beech A2319, Big Island, AR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Dive into river waters on climbout from Private strip. Takeoff flaps were on. Cause unknown. Heart disease noted.

## Other investigations on N3618Q (2)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI80DEV09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI80DEV09), Nov 25, 1979: Beech A23-19 (N3618Q), Pittsfield, IL, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI78DEV16](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI78DEV16), Feb 9, 1978: Beech A23-19 (N3618Q), Pittsfield, IL, no damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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