It will be some time before the National Transportation Safety Board unravels the cause of the tragic accident involving the Beechcraft A36 on approach to Biddeford on Oct. 5.

In the meantime, speculation is risky. As yet, there is no reason to think this pilot’s health, or, by inference, his age, was a factor. Pilot incapacitation is extremely rare across all aviation demographics, regardless of certification method – i.e., BasicMed or Federal Aviation Administration medical exam.

The fact is, spatial disorientation, when flying in instrument meteorological conditions, is a much greater risk factor and can be attributed to a number of causes, mechanical and physiological, across all age groups.

Jerry Fraser
certified flight instructor (instruments)
Wells