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Casualties unknown

Solo Flight Ends in Terrain Impact Following Pilot Incapacitation (N5592A)

Park, KS, US

On March 16, 1993, a Beech F33A (registration N5592A) operated by Niehus, William B. was involved in an aviation accident near Park, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident was the physical incapacitation of the pilot, though the specific source of carbon monoxide fumes entering the cabin could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-16Data APIEditorial standards

A seventy-three-year-old pilot became incapacitated during a solo cross-country flight, leading to an airplane impact with terrain during the cruise phase.

What happened

A 73-year-old private pilot was conducting a solo cross-country flight when he became physically incapacitated for unknown reasons. During the cruise phase of the flight, the aircraft began to descend until it impacted the terrain. Following the impact, the airplane skipped and slid for 1,450 feet before coming to a complete stop.

The investigation

Medical evaluation at a hospital following the accident revealed that the pilot had 9% carbon monoxide in his blood. Investigators performed a post-accident examination of the aircraft and the cockpit heat muffler; however, this inspection failed to identify a specific source for exhaust fumes entering the cabin. The pilot, who was a non-smoker, noted that his most recent medical certificate had been issued in 1988.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident was the physical incapacitation of the pilot, though the specific source of carbon monoxide fumes entering the cabin could not be determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Mar 1993 Beech F33A accident near Park, KS?

A seventy-three-year-old pilot became incapacitated during a solo cross-country flight, leading to an airplane impact with terrain during the cruise phase.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Mar 1993 involved a Beech F33A, registration N5592A, operated by Niehus, William B., at Park, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the accident was the physical incapacitation of the pilot, though the specific source of carbon monoxide fumes entering the cabin could not be determined.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11952. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.