What happened
On the night of June 1, 1999, American Airlines flight 1420 arrived at Little Rock National Airport in Arkansas following a flight from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 registered as N215AA, touched down on runway 4R at approximately 23:50:20 CDT.
During the landing sequence, the aircraft failed to stop within the runway limits and overran the end of the pavement. After exiting the runway, the plane struck several tubes belonging to the instrument landing system localizer array, situated 411 feet past the runway threshold. The aircraft then breached a chain link security fence and crossed a rock embankment into a flood plain located roughly 15 feet below the runway level. During this excursion, the plane collided with the support structure for the runway 22L approach lighting system.
The impact and subsequent post-crash fire resulted in the total destruction of the airframe. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities, including the captain and 10 passengers. Among the remaining occupants, the first officer, flight attendants, and 105 passengers sustained various degrees of serious or minor injuries, while 24 passengers escaped without injury.
Findings
Investigation into the event focused on the aircraft's trajectory after departing the runway surface. The sequence of events involved the aircraft striking critical airport infrastructure, including the localizer array and lighting system supports, following the runway excursion.