A pair of F-16 fighter jets caused a sonic boom over Washington, D.C. as they attempted to contact the unresponsive pilot of a private Cessna Citation V jet that went into restricted airspace. It’s not yet known why the plane was over Washington, but it’s possible a loss of cabin pressure rendered the pilot and passengers unconscious. The jet eventually lost altitude and crashed in the George Washington National Forest in Virginia.
Experts and investigators with the NTSB could point to hypoxia, which is when the brain is deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen, as a culprit.
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Hypoxia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the supply of oxygen to body tissues. Chronic heart and lung conditions can put a person at higher risk for hypoxia and it can be life-threatening. The most common causes of hypoxia in aviation are flying non-pressurized aircraft above 10,000 ft. without supplemental oxygen, rapid decompression during flight, pressurization system malfunction or oxygen system malfunction, according to the FAA.
Hypoxia symptoms include headaches, dizziness, sweating or shortness of breath. Symptoms are not always obvious and can creep up even on the most experienced pilots. One factor that makes hypoxia dangerous is its insidious onset; your signs and symptoms may develop so gradually that they are well-established before you recognize them. Hypoxia is painless, and the signs and symptoms are different in every person. Hypoxia can cause impaired judgment and decision-making, decreased visual acuity, loss of consciousness and death.
Here are 5 steps that pilots can take to recognize hypoxia:
Use supplemental oxygen
Pilots should use supplemental oxygen when flying at high altitudes or in situations where the cabin pressure is reduced. This helps to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body.
Maintain aircraft pressurization
If the aircraft is equipped with a pressurization system, it is important to ensure that it is functioning properly and set at the appropriate cabin altitude for the flight.
Monitor symptoms
Pilots should be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoxia, which can include dizziness, confusion, euphoria, breathlessness and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin or lips). If any symptoms are noticed, immediate action should be taken to address the situation. Hypoxia chambers, also known as altitude chambers or hyperbaric chambers, are controlled environments that simulate high-altitude conditions for training purposes and symptom recognition. These chambers are used to educate and familiarize pilots with the symptoms and effects of hypoxia, as well as to practice the use of supplemental oxygen and emergency procedures.
Conduct regular training
Pilots should receive proper training on recognizing the signs of hypoxia and the appropriate procedures to follow when it occurs. This training should also include emergency descent techniques to quickly descend to lower altitudes where oxygen levels are higher.
Conduct regular medical check-ups
Pilots should undergo regular medical examinations to ensure they are fit to fly and do not have any underlying health conditions that could increase the risk of hypoxia.
It’s important for pilots to be proactive in preventing hypoxia and to be familiar with the specific guidelines and recommendations provided by aviation authorities and their respective aircraft manufacturers.
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