Engine Exhaust and Carbon Monoxide Detectors SAIB CE-10-19

This SAIB is in response to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation of an accident on December 17, 2000, where a Beech Model BE-23 aircraft impacted terrain killing the commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane. The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident was in part “the pilot’s incapacitation due to carbon monoxide (CO) and a fractured muffler.”
The Federal Aviation Administration tasked Wichita State University to conduct research that focuses on carbon monoxide safety issues as they apply to general aviation products. A technical report titled “Detection and prevention of carbon monoxide exposure in General Aviation Aircraft, Document No. DOT/FAA/AR-09/49, dated October 2009” was published, and is available from the National Technical Information Services using the contact information noted below. The report shows that 43 commercially available CO detectors, sampled from each of the five sensor technology types (biometric, electrochemical, spot, infrared, and semiconductor) were surveyed to determine the most appropriate sensor technology. The electrochemical sensor-based CO detectors were found to be most suitable for use in the GA environment. Limited field testing using portable electrochemical CO detectors was conducted in two GA aircraft models to determine the best location for a CO detector. Based on the analyses of collected CO data, the instrument panel appeared to be the best location for the placement of CO detectors. Performance parameters and specifications of various CO detectors (available on the market) were compiled into a database as shown in Tables B-2 through B-5 of the technical report.

SAIB Attached