Pilot flew around with dead instructor because he thought he was 'pretending to take a nap' as a joke

A flying instructor died during take-off, but the pilot did not realise and assumed he was 'joking' with him by pretending to be asleep. The 57-year-old instructor had agreed to join the qualified pilot on a quick circuit around Blackpool Airport, but he tragically suffered a heart attack during the journey.

The pilot, who knew him well, initially believed the instructor was pretending to sleep as a joke and did not become aware of the tragic situation until landing.

Upon touching ground, he realised what was really happening and alerted nearby airport fire crews and air ambulance staff who were stationed there. Sadly, the man could not be saved despite their best efforts, reports LancsLive.

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The instructor had passed a medical check just months before the fatal episode. An investigation was later launched by the Air Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) as although the circumstances fell outside of its remit, it was felt there may be lessons to be learnt by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The findings of that investigation have now been published and note that the instructor had passed a medical examination just four months earlier. He was described as being in good spirits on the morning of June 29, 2022, and had completed a trial lesson with three people who reported nothing unusual before he joined the 10am circuit.

The pilot of that plane, a Piper PA-28-161 light aircraft, had originally planned to fly from Blackpool to another airport before changing plans as he felt the crosswinds were above the level permitted for him to fly alone. As he wanted to maintain his recency requirements for his flying club, he asked the