The AAIB today published a special bulletin on the tragic crash of the Piper Malibu in which footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot died. Sala’s toxicology revealed very high (potentially fatal) levels of carboxy-haemoglobin in the blood. The AAIB concluded that the pilot very likely suffered the same and are investigating how the CO (carbon monoxide) could have entered the cabin. The implication is that the loss of control was due to CO incapacitation.
CO is the silent killer – it is colourless and odourless. Low levels of CO cause drowsiness, headache and nausea; higher levels impair concentration and flying ability; very high levels cause unconsciousness, heart attack and death.
A leaking exhaust and/or defective cabin heater shroud round the exhaust can be the cause of CO entering the cockpit. Our club aircraft all carry a CO detector. The simple spot detectors cost a few ££ and turn black within minutes when CO is present. They have a limited life-span and their replacement is scheduled in a diary.
More sophisticated detectors, similar to domestic ones, are also available.
The AAIB report is a reminder of the importance of monitoring for carbon monoxide. How do you monitor CO in the cockpit?