On January 2, 1982, a Beech 19 (registration N9779L) operated by R. F. Rockwell was involved in an aviation accident near Little Rock, AR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft departed North Little Rock Airport after 1745 and was not heard from again. At about 1900, a witness reported engine power variations and impact sounds five miles from the airport. The aircraft was found in a nose-down attitude. The pilot's wife had noted a faulty directional gyro.
Departure and Disappearance
The aircraft departed North Little Rock Airport sometime after 1745. No further communication or sightings were reported after departure.
Witness Account
At approximately 1900, a witness located five miles from the airport heard the sound of a light aircraft. The witness reported that the engine power was increasing and decreasing, followed immediately by the sound of an impact.
Accident Site
The aircraft struck the ground in an almost straight nose-down attitude. No other details about the accident site were specified.
Aircraft Condition
According to the pilot's wife, the directional gyro or gyro compass was not working properly. She stated that the pilot and a passenger left home between 1400 and 1500 to work on the instrument. The nature of the work and whether it was completed prior to departure is not known.