Summary
On October 26, 1994, a Cessna 150 (N7XC) was involved in an accident near Chesterfield, MO. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The cracked heater exhaust muffler which resulted from an improper repair. Factors were the physical impairment of the solo flight student as a result of her inadequate training concerning carbon monoxide hazards.
On October 26, 1994, at 1800 central daylight time, a student pilot returned from a solo cross country in a Cessna 150, N7XC, operated as a 14 CFR Part 91 training flight by Weiss Aviation of Chesterfield, Missouri. The student complained she was nauseous, about to pass out, and had difficulty walking, but drove herself home. Four hours later, after discovering an exhaust muffler crack (the repaired muffler had accumulated 18 hours in service since installation), the operator contacted the student and recommended she obtain medical attention. Medical testing revealed an elevated blood level of Carbon Monoxide (17.5%).
This accident is documented in NTSB report CHI95IA030. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7XC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the cracked heater exhaust muffler which resulted from an improper repair. Factors were the physical impairment of the solo flight student as a result of her inadequate training concerning carbon monoxide hazards.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 26, 1994, at 1800 central daylight time, a student pilot returned from a solo cross country in a Cessna 150, N7XC, operated as a 14 CFR Part 91 training flight by Weiss Aviation of Chesterfield, Missouri. The student complained she was nauseous, about to pass out, and had difficulty walking, but drove herself home. Four hours later, after discovering an exhaust muffler crack (the repaired muffler had accumulated 18 hours in service since installation), the operator contacted the student and recommended she obtain medical attention. Medical testing revealed an elevated blood level of Carbon Monoxide (17.5%). After 5 1/2 hours of 100% Oxygen treatment, the CO concentration had reduced to 1.5% and the pilot was released.
The pilot stated that she had smelled fumes during the flight, was not taught of a potential hazard or connection between the smell and Carbon Monoxide poisoning, and continued the flight.
AC-61-21A, the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Training Handbook, discusses the hazards of Carbon Monoxide poisoning and faulty heater systems as a cause. FAA-S-8081, the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards, requires under "Aeromedical Factors" that an applicant exhibits knowledge of symtoms, effects, and corrective action of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI95IA030