What happened
During a flight in night instrument meteorological conditions, an instrument-rated private pilot attempted to execute a VFR approach to El Dorado's Downtown Airport (F43) by requesting a lower altitude. After being unable to complete the VFR approach, the pilot requested an ILS approach to South Arkansas Regional Airport (ELD).
At that time, the air traffic controller notified the pilot that radar contact with the aircraft had been lost. The controller asked if the pilot could navigate to the outer marker for the approach; the pilot confirmed he could and was cleared for the procedure. Following this clearance, radar contact with the aircraft was lost for approximately 27 minutes. During this period of lost contact, witnesses reported hearing an airplane flying at a very low altitude over several homes.
Air traffic control eventually re-identified the aircraft on radar south of F43, climbing through 2,000 feet MSL and turning north. Efforts to reestablish radio communication with the pilot failed. The final radar returns indicated the aircraft was performing a right-hand turn at 3,000 feet MSL.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical discrepancies.