On May 10, 2008, at approximately 1650 central daylight time, a single engine Bailey Varieze, N6553C, was substantially damaged during an emergency landing following a report of smoke in the cockpit. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The 313 nautical mile cross country flight originated from Atwood, Kansas and was destined for Lee's Summit, Missouri.

A brief statement was obtained by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The pilot stated that while enroute to his destination he detected smoke coming from the instrument panel. The pilot further stated that he elected to perform an emergency landing on a dirt road that ran generally north-south. The pilot terminated the interview and no further contact has been established with the pilot. Despite numerous attempts, the pilot would not provide any further information or complete an NTSB Form 6120.1.

The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident scene, conducted an examination of the wreckage. No evidence of fire was detected on the engine, airframe, battery, instruments or associated wiring.

A review of the pilot's records revealed that the pilot last applied for a medical certificate on November 11, 2003 at which time he reported having accumlated 310 hours with 0 hours in the previous six months. On December 31, 2003 the pilot was denied a medical certificate by the FAA.

At 1653, an automated weather reporting facility at Hill City Municipal Airport, located approximately 32 nautical miles southwest of the accident site, reported winds from 320 degrees at 28 knots gusting to 40 knots, visibility 10 miles, ceiling overcast at 3,200 feet, temperature 55 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 29.85 inches of Mercury.