Pilot in Fatal Tampa Executive Airport Crash Flew Without Standard FAA Medical Clearance
A fiery plane crash near Tampa Executive Airport resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including the pilot, Dr. David Siambanes. Records indicate that Dr. Siambanes was flying without a standard FAA medical certificate. Instead, he was operating under BasicMed, a congressional alternative to standard FAA medical certification approved in 2017. Bob Katz, a veteran pilot, noted that Siambanes' FAA airman's record showed his medical certificate was not valid after November 30, 2021, suggesting he was rejected for renewal due to a disqualifying medical condition. Disqualifying conditions, according to the FAA, can include mental health, neurological, or cardiovascular issues. The aircraft involved was an experimental, high-performance turboprop, which Katz described as challenging to fly and requiring a pilot in top physical condition. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the crash, with a final report expected in several months.