1 fatality

Aircraft Found in Field After Airport Boundary Breach; Pilot Dies (N3791R)

Emporia, KS, US

On August 26, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N3791R) was involved in an aviation accident near Emporia, KS. One person was killed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft was discovered stopped in a field after crossing the southern boundary of Emporia Airport. The pilot was pronounced dead at a hospital; autopsy attributed death to a cardiac condition.

Incident Overview

An aircraft was found stopped in an open field after penetrating the southern boundary of the Emporia Airport property. When rescuers arrived, the aircraft's engine was still running. They forced entry into the aircraft to shut down the engine and rescue the pilot in command (PIC). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted, and the PIC was subsequently taken to a local hospital.

Pilot Condition

The PIC was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Subsequent pathology indicated that the cause of death was an acute hemorrhage into and rupture of a plaque and floppy mitral valve, a condition normally associated with sudden death. An autopsy disclosed no additional factors contributing to the death.

Medical Background

The PIC had been under treatment for hypertension and was using a daily dosage of 250 mg of Diural medication as part of that treatment.

Investigation

No further details regarding the circumstances of the incident were provided in the source material.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Aug 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Emporia, KS?

An aircraft was discovered stopped in a field after crossing the southern boundary of Emporia Airport. The pilot was pronounced dead at a hospital; autopsy attributed death to a cardiac condition.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Aug 1986 Cessna 172 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Aug 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration N3791R, at Emporia, KS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34578. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.