Crew landed shark patrol plane at Parafield Airport while suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, investigation concludes

The crew of an Adelaide shark patrol plane who successfully landed despite experiencing dizziness and confusion were poisoned by carbon monoxide, an investigation has concluded.

A pilot and two crew of a shark patrol plane who experienced dizziness and loss of sensation suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, an investigation has concluded.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau conducted an investigation into the incident, that occurred on December 22, 2019.

The pilot, communications officer and an observer set off in a Cessna 172 for a routine shark patrol from Parafield Airport at 1.30pm.

Two hours into the flight, while patrolling Sellicks Beach, both the communications officer and observer became sick, but disregarded their symptoms as turbulence induced.

Noticing a discolouration in the Cessna’s carbon monoxide chemical spot detector while flying over Port Noarlunga, the crew noted they were all feeling light-headed.

They turned the heating off and opened the windows, but not before the pilot’s condition worsened.

The map of the crew’s journey to safety. Picture: Supplied

The pilot felt tingling in their hands, chest pains, dizziness and a loss of feeling in their legs.

Becoming progressively more dazed and confused, the crew notified air traffic control, who suggested they land at Adelaide Airport.

Unable to make sense of Adelaide Airport’s runways due to an increased sense of confusion, the crew decided to fly back to Parafield.

The aircraft landed successfully, and the three crew were taken to hospital for treatment.

Blood tests confirmed carbon monoxide poisoning.

The investigation into the incident was unable to pinpoint the source of the leak.

Australian Transport Safety Board acting director of transport safety, Kerri Hughes, encouraged all small aircraft operators to install similar detection devices.

“Owners and operators of piston-engine aircraft are strongly encouraged to install active warning carbon monoxide detectors to alert pilots to the presence of carbon monoxide before it adversely affects their ability to control the aircraft or become incapacitated,” said Ms Hughes.

“Further, once they experience any smell or sensation of illness pilots should check their carbon monoxide detector, ensure cabin heat is off, open all fresh air vents and windows, and make a prompt decision to land using all available resources for assistance – such as contacting air traffic control – to do this safely.”

Earlier this year, a plane made an emergency landing nose first at Parafield Airport, sending sparks flying and video captured the drama (see video above).