Probable cause
The pilots failure to maintain aircraft control during an emergency landing. Contributing factors were the reported smoke and prevailing gusty wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
While en route to his destination, the non-certificated pilot reported detecting smoke in the cockpit originating near the instrument panel. While attempting to land in gusty wind conditions, the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the airplane resulting in substantial damage to the airplane and serious injuries to the pilot. An inspection of instrument panel failed to indentify the source of smoke. Despite numerous attempts, the pilot failed to provide any additional information.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08LA135 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 10, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Phillipsburg, Kansas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Varieze
- N-number
- N6553C
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.