On May 4, 1992, a Boeing 757-222 (registration N530UA) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CAPTAIN SUFFERED A FATAL HEART ATTACK. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Aircraft registered N530UA. Photo: skinnylawyer from Los Angeles, California, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The captain suffered a medical emergency while waiting for takeoff clearance, prompting the first officer and onboard physician to administer CPR before he was pronounced dead at a hospital.
What happened
The flight crew had positioned the aircraft at the taxiway hold line and set the brakes while waiting for takeoff clearance. During this pause, the first officer observed the captain slumped over and making a gurgling noise. A physician who was on board the aircraft immediately assisted by a flight attendant to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the incapacitated pilot. Despite these efforts, the captain was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital.
The investigation
The primary focus of the examination was the medical condition of the captain and the immediate response by the crew and passengers. No mechanical failures or operational errors were cited as contributing factors to the incident itself.
What happened in the 4 May 1992 Boeing 757-222 accident near Denver, CO?
The captain suffered a medical emergency while waiting for takeoff clearance, prompting the first officer and onboard physician to administer CPR before he was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 May 1992 Boeing 757-222 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 May 1992 involved a Boeing 757-222, registration N530UA, operated by United Airlines, at Denver, CO.
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