NTSB Factual Report

On February 9, 1997 at 1643 Eastern Standard Time, N8457H, a Piper PA-44-180T, was on a personal flight when the pilot became incapacitated and died during a flight to Lincoln Park Airport (N07), Lincoln Park, New Jersey. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot-rated passenger was not injured. The airplane was not damaged. The departure point was Greenwood Lake Airport, West Milford, New Jersey.

According to the pilot-rated passenger, the airplane was level at 2,500 feet, approaching the Lincoln Park Airport. The pilot "...slumped over onto the controls." The pilot-rated passenger restrained the pilot and took control of the airplane. He chose to land at Essex County Airport (CDW), Caldwell, New Jersey, because the airplane was oriented on a straight-in approach to Runway 22. He advised the control tower of the medical emergency and proceeded to the airport. After landing, attempts to revive the pilot were unsuccessful. The pilot-rated passenger stated that he was later informed the pilot suffered a heart attack as a result of severe heart disease.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's incapacitation due to a heart attack.