"Chris W" wrote in message
newsgq5d.366563$sh.266506@fed1read06...
A friend of mine told me he was following this news story where 2 men
were flying in a 152 somewhere in Texas. While making a turn to the
right, the passenger fell out of the plane. This was a few days ago and
my friend hasn't heard any updates. Anyone here know about this and
heard anything else? The whole thing sounds a little fishy to me.


Was it this one? Anyway, every now and then the news will report on someone
committing suicide this way.

NTSB Identification: FTW03LA041.
The docket is stored in the Docket Management System (DMS). Please contact
Public Inquiries
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, November 17, 2002 in Houston, TX
Probable Cause Approval Date: 9/30/2003
Aircraft: Cessna 152, registration: N4794P
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Uninjured.
When the private pilot scheduled the instructional flight, he stated that he
had an ear operation and needed to see how his ears would feel at altitude
before he went for an FAA medical certificate. He also stated that he was
contemplating doing some aerial photography, and wanted to see how the
aerial visibility was from the airplane during turns at altitude. He flew
the airplane to an altitude of 9,500 feet msl where he opened the left
window, stated that he wanted to check his ears, and requested that the CFI
fly the airplane. The private pilot made two request for the CFI to increase
the angle of bank. Subsequently, the flight instructor increased the turn to
45-degree bank and started a 300 to 500 foot per minute descent rate. The
CFI heard a "noise that sounded like maybe the seat belt hitting the side of
the [air]plane" and the CFI looked to his left and saw the private pilot
exiting the airplane. The CFI noticed the #1 radio was already tuned to
121.5 MHz (emergency frequency). The CFI notified the controller that the
private pilot had exited the airplane. The CFI landed the airplane without
incident. Examination of the aircraft restraint system and the left cabin
door did not reveal any discrepancies. Evidence and statements obtained by
friends and co-workers of the private pilot indicated an ongoing treatment
for depression and a recent intent to take his own life by using an
aircraft. A note found in the private pilot's vehicle stated in part: "I'm
tired of being depressed. I've been this way for almost 2 months. I'm about
ready to do anything to stop feeling this way."

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of
this accident as follows:

The dual student's intentional suicide by exiting from the airplane during
descent. A contributing factor was the psychological condition of the dual
student.