Pilot incapacitation occurrences 2010–2014

The day after the incident, the pilot underwent a medical examination at a hospital
and the following day they saw a DAME. All the tests were inconclusive and
the cause of incapacitation could not be determined. The pilot’s aviation medical
records did not indicate any medical conditions which may have contributed to the
incident (ATSB investigation AO-2011-003).
Lost and unwell
During a solo training flight from Bankstown, New South Wales in a Piper PA-28
Cherokee, the pilot reported feeling ill and advised ATC they required an immediate
landing. At this time, there was difficulty in ascertaining the aircraft’s position and
an alert phase (ALERFA) was declared.
Subsequently, the pilot felt slightly better and was identified on the radar. The pilot
activated both an emergency squawk and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
while airborne. ATC then provided navigation assistance for the aircraft to divert to
Camden (ATSB occurrence 201102661).
Source: Stock image
Lessons learned
Assessing fitness to fly
Because general aviation flights are likely to be single-pilot operations, it is even
more important the pilots assess their fitness to fly and adhere to advice given to
medical practitioners. The pilot in ATSB investigation AO-2010-004 was advised not
to fly by their cardiologist and DAME until a follow-up and intervention had been
established. Ignoring medical advice not only places the pilot at risk, but also other
airspace users and people on the ground.
It is also the pilot’s responsibility to report any changes to their health condition
to their DAME or to CASA. In CASR Part 67, it states that holders of medical
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