WPR23FA244

Witnesses reported that the airplane departed from runway 35 after a successful runup. During the initial climb, multiple witnesses reported that they heard a loss of engine power and saw the airplane make a left turn before it descended and impacted terrain. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical anomalies. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit control to each flight control surface. The crankshaft was manually rotated by the reduction gear and mechanical continuity of the engine was established throughout the rotating group, valvetrain, and accessory section. Though mechanical continuity was established, the engine could not be placed on the test stand due to impact and thermal damage. Damage to the propeller blades indicated they were under low to no power at impact. The pilot’s postmortem toxicological testing detected Citalopram, a prescription medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, However, according to a Federal Aviation Administration medical review, the pilot received multiple renewal letters, medication follow-up checklists, and reports of formal evaluations of his medical conditions within the pilot’s medical certification file, indicative of successful management of his condition from 2014 to 2023. Based on the pilot’s medical history, he was likely not impaired by his condition; witnesses reported that the pilot was in a good mood during the preflight. The pilot was likely attempting to make a forced landing to a field about 1/2 mile from the departure airport. The airplane appeared to hit hard on the nose/engine in a nearly wings-level attitude and skidded about 216 ft. Based on the available information, the reason for an engine loss of power could not be determined.

On June 27, 2023, about 0759 mountain daylight time, a Curtiss Wright P-40E, N4420K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hamilton, Montana. The pilot was fatally injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to an airframe and powerplant mechanic, on the morning of the accident, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane at Ravalli County Airport (HRF), Hamilton, Montana, and needed assistance to troubleshoot a starter problem. The mechanic stated that after he inspected the starter, the pilot started the airplane without further incident and continued his pretakeoff checks. He added that during his conversations, the pilot’s general mood was happy. Another mechanic reported that as the airplane taxied to the hold-short line for runway 35, the pilot performed a full run-up. After the pilot conducted magneto checks, the mechanic heard a 3-5 second engine surge. The pilot then continued and departed runway 35. Witnesses near the accident site reported that they observed the airplane depart to the north. During the initial climb, the airplane turned left to the west, and shortly after, it descended and impacted terrain in a nose-down attitude. Multiple witnesses reported that during the initial climb, there was a power loss event. Examination of the accident site revealed that the airplane impacted terrain about ½ mile west of the departure end of runway 35 (see figure 1). The debris path was oriented on a heading of about 230° magnetic and was about 216 ft in length from the initial impact point to the main wreckage. All major components of the airplane were observed throughout the debris path. The fuselage came to rest upright on a heading of about 060° magnetic at an elevation of 3,615 ft mean sea level. Figure 1. View of accident site in relation to the runway. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Flight control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to each flight control surface. The reduction gearbox pinion gear was manually rotated and mechanical continuity was confirmed throughout the rotating group, valvetrain, and accessory section. The pilot’s autopsy was performed by a medical doctor of the Montana State Medical Examiner, Missoula, Montana. According to the pilot’s autopsy report the pilot’s cause of death was blunt force and thermal injuries, and his manner of death was accidental. The Federal Aviation Administration's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological tests on specimens recovered from the pilot. The pilot’s postmortem toxicological testing detected Citalopram, N -Desmethylcitalopram, Albuterol, and Rosuvastatin. Citalopram is a prescription medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. Major depression cancause cognitive impairment, particularly of executive function. By contrast, studies of citalopram have not established that it causes cognitive or psychomotor impairment. However, citalopram carries a warning that any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, and that users should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that citalopram does not affect their ability to engage in such activities. A pilot on citalopram may be considered for FAA medical certification via special issuance only, because detailed evaluation of the individual pilot’s condition is required, including assessment of the pilot’s cognitive function and response to medication. N-desmethylcitalopram is a metabolite of citalopram. Rosuvastatin is a prescription medication for cholesterol control that is commonly used to reduce cardiovascular risk. Albuterol is a prescription medication commonly used to relax tight lungs and improve wheezing and cough in conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Rosuvastatin, aspirin, and albuterol are not generally considered impairing. According to the FAA medical case review, the pilot's medical certification file contains multiple renewal letters, medication follow up checklists, and reports of formal evaluations of his condition through 2023, indicating successful management of his condition since 2014, on citalopram.