The National Transportation Safety Board released an updated preliminary report providing further details on the situation surrounding the crash on July 31, 2020 that claimed the life of former District 30 Rep. Gary Knopp. His private Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser aircraft hit a deHavilland DHC-2 Beaver near Soldotna. The pilots of both planes and the five passengers on the DHC-2 were killed in the crash.
The preliminary NTSB report states that Knopp was denied a pilot’s license due to sight problems years earlier. An update on March 8th states that Knopp’s last aviation medical examination was March 13, 2012. At that time, he was seeking his second-class medical certification. He reported a history of glaucoma diagnosed in 2011, doing well after surgery, and right eye cataract in 2012.
At his examination, his visual acuity was assessed and met the regulatory standards for second-class medical certification, with corrective lenses. His field of vision was noted to be normal and passed color vision testing. No abnormal physical findings were noted, but, due to his newly reported significant medical history, issuance of his medical certificate was deferred to the FAA. An eye evaluation in March 2012 noted that he had he had visual field loss in both eyes, had undergone previous laser surgery for glaucoma in both eyes and required an ophthalmology follow up every four months. Because of that, the Alaska Regional Flight Surgeon sent a denial letter to Knopp that was dated June 18, 2012, saying that he didn’t meet the general medical standards for first-, second- or third-class medical certification, due to his glaucoma and visual field loss.
Knopp requested reconsideration, following the denial, but was denied on July 23, 2012, again, citing visual field loss. Following that date, Knopp made no further requests for reconsideration of his application for airman medical certification. According to pre-accident medical records, his most recent ophthalmology visit was in June 2014 where his visual fields appeared to get worse. He also wasn’t using his medicated eye drops. Knopp’s most recent automated visual field testing was performed in October 2019, which showed visual field deficits in both eyes, with his right worse than left.
Knopp’s most recent optometry visit was in May 2020 for a yearly glaucoma exam. At that time, he stated that his vision seemed “fine” to him and reported using his prescribed eye drops regularly. His optometrist noted a diagnosis of severe open-angle glaucoma, right greater than left, and a plan for the Piper pilot to be referred back to his ophthalmologist for re-evaluation and possible repeat laser surgery or other procedure, with another optometry visit to be scheduled in 4-6 months.
The Knopp estate and his wife are being sued for wrongful death and negligence following the mid-air collision involving a plane he was piloting.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the investigative process can take five or more years. The average time for an investigative process is 2-3 years.
