…Elevated Carbon Monoxide Levels In The Cockpit And A Forced Landing To Unsuitable Terrain After The Pilot Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Analysis: During cruise flight in a gradual descent, the airplane’s two carbon monoxide (CO) detectors began alerting. The pilot closed the cabin panel vent and opened a small cockpit window and 4 overhead vents. The pilot’s concern “turned to intense worry and fear as [he] noticed a feeling of lethargy and confusion, sort of slow motion coupled with graying peripheral vision.” He attempted to open the cabin door but was unsuccessful. The pilot decided not to continue the flight to the nearest airport, which was about 30 miles from his position; he shut down the engine and performed a forced landing to a field. The pilot reported that after he shut down the engine, his symptoms gradually dissipated, and he did not lose consciousness.
