If you read the entire accident report you will find that the pilot was previously suicidal and also taking anti-depressant medication at the time of the accident which would NOT allow him to be legal to fly an aircraft.

The report also states that he lied on the medical application about his medical and mental condition so he could obtain the required medical certificate to fly an aircraft under the FAA guidelines.

Taking prescribed anti-depressant medication is a disqualifying factor to obtain an FAA Medical Certificate.

He should have never been flying that aircraft for Taquan Air and the worst part is he knew it!

Mr. McComb,
Thanks for posting your comment. I don't currently represent any of the passengers' families. You may wish to try to contact them directly with your information. If they haven't settled their cases, your information could be helpful to them and the attorneys that represent them. MJS

Pursuant to the NTSB report and Mike McComb's comments, it is interesting to note that while the NTSB were able to gain access to the pilot's medical records after the fact, the FAA in approving his flying credentials in the first place, apparently did not. Had they verified the pilot's medical history against his application, the FAA would most likely have discovered discrepancies providing cause for rejection.

Incidentally, Capt. Mike McComb is Chief Pilot for Grand Canyon Airlines, based in Flagstaff, AZ. Mike is a frequent contributor to the subjects of aviation safety as well as aviation archaeology and history. Source: More ...