Casualties unknown

Accident During Missed Approach at North Little Rock Municipal Airport (N7826R)

N. Little Rock, AR, US

On October 1, 1988, a Beech D55 (registration N7826R) operated by Argenta Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near N. Little Rock, AR. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot executing a VOR/DME instrument approach to Runway 35 at North Little Rock Municipal Airport called a missed approach, then lost contact with approach control. The aircraft was observed flying low and fast northwest before impacting trees and terrain 2.8 miles from the runway.

Accident Description

On the day of the accident, the pilot was executing a VOR/DME instrument approach to Runway 35 at North Little Rock Municipal Airport (1M1). Shortly after being cleared for the approach, the pilot-in-command (PIC) transmitted a call stating "missed approach." Approach control attempted to provide instructions to the PIC upon hearing the call, but received no reply. Subsequent attempts by approach control to contact the aircraft were also unsuccessful.

Several witnesses reported hearing and observing the aircraft flying at a very low altitude and at high speed in a northwesterly direction. The aircraft subsequently impacted trees and terrain in a wings-level attitude. The accident site was located 2.8 miles northwest of the approach end of Runway 35.

Weather Conditions

Weather reported for the approach was below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for that approach. Instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions had prevailed in the area for most of the day, with intermittent moderate to light rain.

Missed Approach Procedure

The missed approach procedure for the North Little Rock Municipal Airport (1M1) VOR/DME Runway 35 approach requires the pilot to immediately climb and complete the published procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 1988 Beech D55 accident near N. Little Rock, AR?

A pilot executing a VOR/DME instrument approach to Runway 35 at North Little Rock Municipal Airport called a missed approach, then lost contact with approach control. The aircraft was observed flying low and fast northwest before impacting trees and terrain 2.8 miles from the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 1988 involved a Beech D55, registration N7826R, operated by Argenta Air, Inc., at N. Little Rock, AR.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26889. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.