Casualties unknown

Pilot Incapacitation During Instrument Flight Results in Loss of Control and Ground Collision (N5350E)

Jellico, TN, US

On October 9, 2002, a Beech K35 (registration N5350E) was involved in an aviation accident near Jellico, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's incapacitation in flight due to a heart attack resulting in an in-flight loss of control, and collision with terrain. A factor was the pilot acting as a pilot-in-command with a known medical grounding condition. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot became incapacitated while on an instrument flight, leading to a loss of control and collision with the ground. No mechanical malfunction was found. The pilot had a history of coronary artery bypass surgery and had not reported the condition to the FAA.

Incident Details

The pilot was conducting an instrument flight when he became incapacitated. This condition caused an in-flight loss of control, and the aircraft subsequently collided with the ground. The exact timing of the incapacitation relative to the loss of control is not detailed in the source.

Mechanical Inspection

Following the accident, a thorough examination of the airplane was performed. The inspection found no evidence of any mechanical malfunction or failure. This rules out a technical cause for the accident.

Medical Background

Review of the pilot's medical history revealed that he had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery on January 17, 2001. The pilot did not inform the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about this change in his medical condition. On August 6, 2002, the pilot applied for a new medical certificate. The application was not approved by the medical examiner; instead, it was forwarded to the FAA for further evaluation. The status of that evaluation is not provided in the source.

Summary

The accident sequence began with the pilot's incapacitation during an instrument flight, leading to loss of control and impact with terrain. No mechanical issues were identified. The pilot's medical history included a significant cardiac procedure that was not reported to the FAA, and a subsequent medical certificate application was referred for further review.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021018X05327. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.