Fatal Carbon Monoxide Crash

[DanM20C]

Last week a Piper Dakota went down in Iowa with 4 on board.  It was believed that the pilot had a heart attack and a student pilot passenger was attempting to divert to a near by airport.  The recent toxicology reports showed the victims all had elevated levels of CO.    

This is the first CO accident that I know of since mine nearly 2 years ago.  It's hitting me hard.  Through Mooneyspace, Beechtalk, and other online forums we have reached a lot of people.   In my estimation its around 700 detectors that have been sold thought the discounts or a direct result of my accident.  It's a great number,  but clearly we have a long way to go.  I think most everyone on Mooneyspace has a detector.  But if you don't, get one.   If you do, try to convince your hanger neighbors and fellow airport bums to get one.  I wish I would have got my story in front of this pilot and convinced him to buy one.   

https://www.kcci.com/article/state-medical-examiner-gives-causes-of-death-in-fatal-small-plane-crash/25182073?fbclid=IwAR3e1gn_onOp7_V2K4xHeEYFe41zyfpWw9A4v0fRhp8VABjtVO313aT2OEU

The discounts are still being offered from Sensorcon and Guardian. Both generously offering us pilots 20% off.

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

http://www.guardianavionics.com
Code: coaware
 

Dan

[DualRatedFlyer]

7 hours ago, DanM20C said:

Last week an Arrow went down in Iowa with 4 on board.  It was believed that the pilot had a heart attack and a student pilot passenger was attempting to divert to a near by airport.  The recent toxicology reports showed the victims all had elevated levels of CO.    

This is the first CO accident that I know of since mine nearly 2 years ago.  It's hitting me hard.  Through Mooneyspace, Beechtalk, and other online forums we have reached a lot of people.   In my estimation its around 700 detectors that have been sold thought the discounts or a direct result of my accident.  It's a great number,  but clearly we have a long way to go.  I think most everyone on Mooneyspace has a detector.  But if you don't, get one.   If you do, try to convince your hanger neighbors and fellow airport bums to get one.  I wish I would have got my story in front of this pilot and convinced him to buy one.   

https://www.kcci.com/article/state-medical-examiner-gives-causes-of-death-in-fatal-small-plane-crash/25182073?fbclid=IwAR3e1gn_onOp7_V2K4xHeEYFe41zyfpWw9A4v0fRhp8VABjtVO313aT2OEU

The discounts are still being offered from Sensorcon and Guardian. Both generously offering us pilots 20% off.

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

http://www.guardianavionics.com
Code: coaware
 

Dan

Dan,

I teach for AOPAs air safety institute - i travel around the country doing flight instructor refresher courses for those who want to renew their CFI. Your story made a huge impact on me. I now have a sensor in my airplane. I also present your story at every one of my clinics (25-35ppl) and highlight what your market research has lead you to believe is one of the best sensors out there. I also ask at the end of the class who is going to go out and buy a sensor. At my last class, 10 instructor hands went in the air.

Wanted to share.  I hope these cfis pass this to their students as well. Keep being a voice for safety - your saving more lives than you know. 

[aviatoreb]

8 hours ago, DanM20C said:

Last week an Arrow went down in Iowa with 4 on board.  It was believed that the pilot had a heart attack and a student pilot passenger was attempting to divert to a near by airport.  The recent toxicology reports showed the victims all had elevated levels of CO.    

This is the first CO accident that I know of since mine nearly 2 years ago.  It's hitting me hard.  Through Mooneyspace, Beechtalk, and other online forums we have reached a lot of people.   In my estimation its around 700 detectors that have been sold thought the discounts or a direct result of my accident.  It's a great number,  but clearly we have a long way to go.  I think most everyone on Mooneyspace has a detector.  But if you don't, get one.   If you do, try to convince your hanger neighbors and fellow airport bums to get one.  I wish I would have got my story in front of this pilot and convinced him to buy one.   

https://www.kcci.com/article/state-medical-examiner-gives-causes-of-death-in-fatal-small-plane-crash/25182073?fbclid=IwAR3e1gn_onOp7_V2K4xHeEYFe41zyfpWw9A4v0fRhp8VABjtVO313aT2OEU

The discounts are still being offered from Sensorcon and Guardian. Both generously offering us pilots 20% off.

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

http://www.guardianavionics.com
Code: coaware
 

Dan

Well Dan, I can say when you put together that purchase system, I jumped right away and got a new CO monitor that turning on/off/checking before take-off, is all part of my check list routine now.

[mike_elliott]

Dan's impact on aviation safety has been huge. We are so fortunate he is with us, has become an evangelist to prevent CO poisoning and continues to share his experience so others will be saved. There are no telling how many, (but I know of one for sure) lives Dan has saved. His impact has been global.

Dan, I am proud to know you, my friend!

 

[MIm20c]

I had the privilege of meeting @DanM20C and his beautiful wife at the summit this year. A great down to earth engaging couple. I also enjoyed the time spent hearing stories during the CO round table discussions. However, I’m embarrassed to say I still don’t have one for the plane (trying to decide between portable or panel mount) which is a poor decision when living in the fridge north. 

[Bob_Belville]

48 minutes ago, MIm20c said:

However, I’m embarrassed to say I still don’t have one for the plane (trying to decide between portable or panel mount) which is a poor decision when living in the fridge north. 

No need to be indecisive... Dan has both in his 231. 

[MIm20c]

31 minutes ago, Bob_Belville said:

No need to be indecisive... Dan has both in his 231. 

He also won 2-3 units at the auction. I could say he was lucky but his generosity in the form of donations/tickets bought his luck. Note to self be less of a CB next year...

[DXB]

16 hours ago, DanM20C said:

Last week an Arrow went down in Iowa with 4 on board.  It was believed that the pilot had a heart attack and a student pilot passenger was attempting to divert to a near by airport.  The recent toxicology reports showed the victims all had elevated levels of CO.    

This is the first CO accident that I know of since mine nearly 2 years ago.  It's hitting me hard.  Through Mooneyspace, Beechtalk, and other online forums we have reached a lot of people.   In my estimation its around 700 detectors that have been sold thought the discounts or a direct result of my accident.  It's a great number,  but clearly we have a long way to go.  I think most everyone on Mooneyspace has a detector.  But if you don't, get one.   If you do, try to convince your hanger neighbors and fellow airport bums to get one.  I wish I would have got my story in front of this pilot and convinced him to buy one.   

https://www.kcci.com/article/state-medical-examiner-gives-causes-of-death-in-fatal-small-plane-crash/25182073?fbclid=IwAR3e1gn_onOp7_V2K4xHeEYFe41zyfpWw9A4v0fRhp8VABjtVO313aT2OEU

The discounts are still being offered from Sensorcon and Guardian. Both generously offering us pilots 20% off.

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

http://www.guardianavionics.com
Code: coaware
 

Dan

Decided to pull the trigger on the Guardian Avionics portable sensor (I like that it plugs into 12V outlet to run off ship's power).  The coupon code isn't working though - any update on it? 

[gsxrpilot]

I have both. I've been using the SensorCon for some time now, but saw the 20% off on the Guardian and bought the panel mount as well. It will get installed in the next week or so.

[DanM20C]

3 hours ago, MIm20c said:

He also won 2-3 units at the auction. I could say he was lucky but his generosity in the form of donations/tickets bought his luck. Note to self be less of a CB next year...

To be fair I only accepted the Guardian.  I already have 3 sensorcons. 

2 hours ago, DXB said:

Decided to pull the trigger on the Guardian Avionics portable sensor (I like that it plugs into 12V outlet to run off ship's power).  The coupon code isn't working though - any update on it? 

I just tried the code and it worked for me.  coaware 

1 hour ago, gsxrpilot said:

I have both. I've been using the SensorCon for some time now, but saw the 20% off on the Guardian and bought the panel mount as well. It will get installed in the next week or so.

This is the way to go.  I think the two units compliment each other nicely.  The Guardian always has power, can (should) be integrated to your audio panel for audio alerts, depending on what model it may be able to show PPM on your JPI.  The Sensorcon can still be used for early detection and troubleshooting.

10 hours ago, DualRatedFlyer said:

Wanted to share.  I hope these cfis pass this to their students as well. Keep being a voice for safety - your saving more lives than you know. 

Thanks!  I'm so glad you are spreading the word.  With everyone's help this problem can be eliminated.

6 hours ago, mike_elliott said:

Dan, I am proud to know you, my friend! 

 

  Thanks Mike,  The feeling is mutual!  I'm just trying to follow your example.

 

Cheers,

Dan 

[Hank]

@DanM20C--I cross-posted a link to this thread on POA this morning, and it sounds like several more units were sold. A couple of people said to pass on a Thank You for the information and discount. The more awareness that can be created, the better; the more units sold and mounted, the fewer of these incidents there should be.

[Candy man]

19 hours ago, DanM20C said:

Last week an Arrow went down in Iowa with 4 on board.  It was believed that the pilot had a heart attack and a student pilot passenger was attempting to divert to a near by airport.  The recent toxicology reports showed the victims all had elevated levels of CO.    

This is the first CO accident that I know of since mine nearly 2 years ago.  It's hitting me hard.  Through Mooneyspace, Beechtalk, and other online forums we have reached a lot of people.   In my estimation its around 700 detectors that have been sold thought the discounts or a direct result of my accident.  It's a great number,  but clearly we have a long way to go.  I think most everyone on Mooneyspace has a detector.  But if you don't, get one.   If you do, try to convince your hanger neighbors and fellow airport bums to get one.  I wish I would have got my story in front of this pilot and convinced him to buy one.   

https://www.kcci.com/article/state-medical-examiner-gives-causes-of-death-in-fatal-small-plane-crash/25182073?fbclid=IwAR3e1gn_onOp7_V2K4xHeEYFe41zyfpWw9A4v0fRhp8VABjtVO313aT2OEU

The discounts are still being offered from Sensorcon and Guardian. Both generously offering us pilots 20% off.

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

http://www.guardianavionics.com
Code: coaware
 

Dan

Dan,

 

you’ve convinced me!!!

 

Which sensor on unit do I Purchase?

 

Lawrence

[carusoam]

Lawrence,

Dan can’t push the buy it now button for you.... but he did go pretty far to recommend, and educate, and help calibrate, and motivate, and get discounts.

Go Dan!

Best regards,

-a-

 

The discounts are still being offered from Sensorcon and Guardian. Both generously offering us pilots 20% off.

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

http://www.guardianavionics.com
Code: coaware
 

Dan

[Hank]

40 minutes ago, Candy man said:

Dan,

you’ve convinced me!!!

Which sensor on unit do I Purchase?

Lawrence

@Candy man:

Both should be good units.

• Sensorcon is portable, many mount with velcro or clip to their coat or shoulder strap. Use anywhere, including other planes, home, work, car, etc. There are 3 models with various features
• Guardian is installed in your plane. 

Get whichever one fits your needs best! (I have the Sensorcon.)

[DanM20C]

1 hour ago, Hank said:

@DanM20C--I cross-posted a link to this thread on POA this morning, and it sounds like several more units were sold. A couple of people said to pass on a Thank You for the information and discount. The more awareness that can be created, the better; the more units sold and mounted, the fewer of these incidents there should be.

Thanks Hank!  I went over to POA today to see if they were talking about this accident and read your post.  I'm not a member there so it was much appreciated.  I think I will register though, now that I know there are some friendly faces over there.

@Candy man ,

For aviation purposes all 3 of the Sensorcons work well.  The Standard and Industrial are basically the same, except that the Industrial has a vibrating Alarm and is Intrinsically safe (can be used in explosive environments).  The Industrial Pro is Intrinsically safe, has an adjustable alarm, and a 24hour Time Weighted Average to track total exposure.  If you plan to just stick it on the panel I would go with the Standard.  If you fly more then one airplane, such as CFI's, the Industrial's vibrating alarm might be of use.  I use one for that purpose. 

Cheers,

Dan

[DXB]

4 hours ago, DanM20C said:

 

I just tried the code and it worked for me.  coaware 

 

Funny it works now -  My Guardian 152WD Portable Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector is on the way.  Great discount. Thanks!!!

[Jim Peace]

On 11/18/2018 at 12:55 AM, DanM20C said:

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

bought two of these today (standard), one for a friend, and wondering if I have to set the alarm to a certain threshold.  How many PPM should I set it to or is it preset? 

I plan on using industrial velcro to mount in panel and it will be written into my checklist.

[Zulee]

13 hours ago, DXB said:

Decided to pull the trigger on the Guardian Avionics portable sensor (I like that it plugs into 12V outlet to run off ship's power).  The coupon code isn't working though - any update on it? 

You may want to try the coaware code again, I just tried it and the discount applied.

[alextstone]

On 11/17/2018 at 11:55 PM, DanM20C said:

Last week an Arrow went down in Iowa with 4 on board.  It was believed that the pilot had a heart attack and a student pilot passenger was attempting to divert to a near by airport.  The recent toxicology reports showed the victims all had elevated levels of CO.    

This is the first CO accident that I know of since mine nearly 2 years ago.  It's hitting me hard.  Through Mooneyspace, Beechtalk, and other online forums we have reached a lot of people.   In my estimation its around 700 detectors that have been sold thought the discounts or a direct result of my accident.  It's a great number,  but clearly we have a long way to go.  I think most everyone on Mooneyspace has a detector.  But if you don't, get one.   If you do, try to convince your hanger neighbors and fellow airport bums to get one.  I wish I would have got my story in front of this pilot and convinced him to buy one.   

https://www.kcci.com/article/state-medical-examiner-gives-causes-of-death-in-fatal-small-plane-crash/25182073?fbclid=IwAR3e1gn_onOp7_V2K4xHeEYFe41zyfpWw9A4v0fRhp8VABjtVO313aT2OEU

The discounts are still being offered from Sensorcon and Guardian. Both generously offering us pilots 20% off.

http://www.sensorcon.com
Code: aircraft2017

http://www.guardianavionics.com
Code: coaware
 

Dan

Thanks, Dan.  This week, I had the TKS filter changed in my Bravo.  I recently had the exhaust system overhauled as well.  The next flight out upon takeoff, the CO meter went off and the CO concentration in the cabin quickly climbed to over 300 ppm.  Previously, I had never seen it go above 15 ppm.  After the cowling was removed to inspect the exhaust system and firewall, the mechanic and I checked the belly panels that he removed to install the TKS filter.  One of them was not seated correctly, leaving a small gap in the panel right where the exhaust flows along the fuselage belly.  Seated the panel and sealed correctly, problem solved.  The CO meter may have saved my life.  

Alex

[carusoam]

Wow!

Great report, Alex!

Best regards,

-a-

[aviatoreb]

17 minutes ago, alextstone said:

Thanks, Dan.  This week, I had the TKS filter changed in my Bravo.  I recently had the exhaust system overhauled as well.  The next flight out upon takeoff, the CO meter went off and the CO concentration in the cabin quickly climbed to over 300 ppm.  Previously, I had never seen it go above 15 ppm.  After the cowling was removed to inspect the exhaust system and firewall, the mechanic and I checked the belly panels that he removed to install the TKS filter.  One of them was not seated correctly, leaving a small gap in the panel right where the exhaust flows along the fuselage belly.  Seated the panel and sealed correctly, problem solved.  The CO meter may have saved my life.  

Alex

Good for you for having the equipment and awareness to find that safely.

I forgot but your story reminded me...

About 6 or 7 years ago I had an occasion where my CO monitor was showing something like 100pm one day where previously it was never going above low teens. (I had a different digital CO monitor even since 7 or 8 years ago). As it turns out my exhaust was developing a crack and the CO monitor helped me find it immediately in early stages.  So I got the exhaust overhauled of course.

[kevinw]

The accident in Iowa happened about 40 miles from where I live. The story I'm hearing is that the student pilot was the 15 years old girl with very few hours (4-5) trying to land the Dakota, N91770. Very sad but also preventable. While we initially all believed the pilot suffered an in-flight heart attack, the real cause has pilots in my hometown talking about CO detectors. It sure reaffirms my decision to install a panel mounted Aero 551 at my last annual. @alextstone's story shows how fast something bad can happen so it's a good thing he had a detector and was alerted. @DanM20C, good work keeping this topic in our conversations. You're story is truly remarkable and I have no doubt your efforts to get CO detectors in our airplanes have saved lives.

[DanM20C]

@kevinw, Thanks!

The student pilot was Patrick Kellen (36).  I believe he is the father of Samantha, the 15yo.  I'm assuming the pilot succumb to CO first causing the right front occupant (Patrick?) to notify ATC of what they believed was a heart attack.  At this point they all would have been severely impaired from the CO. The crash was a result of that impairment and not the experience level of the student.

I feel so bad about this one. 

Dan

[jaylw314]

19 minutes ago, kevinw said:

The accident in Iowa happened about 40 miles from where I live. The story I'm hearing is that the student pilot was the 15 years old girl with very few hours (4-5) trying to land the Dakota, N91770. Very sad but also preventable. While we initially all believed the pilot suffered an in-flight heart attack, the real cause has pilots in my hometown talking about CO detectors. It sure reaffirms my decision to install a panel mounted Aero 551 at my last annual. @alextstone's story shows how fast something bad can happen so it's a good thing he had a detector and was alerted. @DanM20C, good work keeping this topic in our conversations. You're story is truly remarkable and I have no doubt your efforts to get CO detectors in our airplanes have saved lives.

Not to belabor any gruesome details, but I should point out (based on the news article alone) that if there had been a post-cash fire of any significance, and the occupants had lived for any duration after the crash, they would all have CO in their systems.  I'd like to think that the medical examiner would comment on whether the presence of CO was incidental or a cause of death, but given that all we have is the news report, there's still uncertainty.  In addition, I would have suspected the 15 year old would show signs of CO poisoning in the cabin first, but I don't know if seating arrangements would have made a difference there.

Not that any of that is a reason to not get a CO detector, of course...

[DanM20C]

26 minutes ago, jaylw314 said:

Not to belabor any gruesome details, but I should point out (based on the news article alone) that if there had been a post-cash fire of any significance, and the occupants had lived for any duration after the crash, they would all have CO in their systems.  I'd like to think that the medical examiner would comment on whether the presence of CO was incidental or a cause of death, but given that all we have is the news report, there's still uncertainty.  In addition, I would have suspected the 15 year old would show signs of CO poisoning in the cabin first, but I don't know if seating arrangements would have made a difference there.

Not that any of that is a reason to not get a CO detector, of course...

CO was the cause of the crash.  The crash was the cause of death.  It doesn't take a lethal doses of CO to knock someone out.  I was out for 2hrs and somehow still woke up.

By the time the first person goes under the cognitive ability of the rest is so diminished there isn't much hope for them to recognize what is happening.

People keep telling me stories about CO near misses.  One was at my home airport in the 70's.  3 guys in a flying club went flying on a nice winter day and visited several airports.  The back seat passenger went to sleep.  the two front seat guys were joking about Bob falling asleep.  About 15 min later the right seat guy fell asleep.  The pilot couldn't figure out what was going on but was close to an airport and landed, apparently barely making it to the ramp.  All three came out fine but spent the night in the local hospital. 

Dan