Mechanical failure has been ruled out in an investigation into a plane crash in Co Mayo last month.
Michael McCarrick, a married man in his 50s, died when the plane crashed into a field outside Ballina on 4 May.
The Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has published a preliminary report into the fatal crash.
It details the flight history and the events leading to the crash, at around a quarter past five on the evening in question.
The AAIU says it has obtained data from a number of sources, including witness statements, air traffic control information and material from a GPS device in the plane’s cockpit.
In addition, a small camera recorded most of the flight.
Mr McCarrick was the sole occupant of a two seat BRM Land Africa, EI-EOH plane.
He departed Lough Conn airfield at 4:30pm for a local flight.
After climbing to a height of 2,000 feet, he descended before entering a left hand turn, which resulted in the the aircraft crashing.
The report says the impact was near vertical and that the plane’s left wing impacted the ground first.
Analysis of camera footage shows the pilot was operating the aircraft normally until 27 seconds before the recording ends.
His head was observed to slump forward and the report says his eyes were closed, suggesting he had become incapacitated.
The AAIU is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
As investigators work towards a final report, they will consider a number of factors, including pilot incapacitation and his medical details.
They will also carry out further analysis of recorded flight data and the plane wreckage.
