What happened
On the afternoon of March 27, 1985, at approximately 12:30 CST, a pilot and his wife departed on a cross-country flight from Hot Springs, Arkansas. The pair did not arrive at their intended destination. When family members realized the aircraft had not arrived, they initiated a search for the missing plane.
The wreckage was eventually located on March 31, 1985, in wooded terrain approximately 27 miles northwest of Hot Springs. The crash site was situated roughly 300 feet above the elevation of Hot Springs. Examination of the scene revealed that the aircraft's initial impact was with trees at an altitude of approximately 40 feet above ground level. The first contact with the ground occurred about 200 feet beyond the tree impact, and the total wreckage path extended for 400 feet.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failure or malfunction. However, the propeller blades exhibited significant rotational damage, indicating the engine was producing power at the moment of impact.
Weather conditions played a critical role in the accident. At the time of departure, the pilot had obtained an airborne weather briefing. The latest weather report from Hot Springs indicated sky partially obscured with an 800-foot overcast layer, visibility of three-quarters of a mile in fog, and winds from 170 degrees at 5 knots. A radar summary showed two-tenths coverage of thunderstorms and rain showers in the area.
Approximately one hour later, at 13:58 CST, weather near Hot Springs remained poor, with conditions reported as partially obscured, an 800-foot overcast ceiling, and visibility reduced to one mile due to fog. The crash site was located well above the local elevation, suggesting the aircraft may have been flying into deteriorating visual meteorological conditions.