Fatal Crash of a Single-Pilot Aircraft Near Little Rock (N660RB)

Background and Pre-Flight Condition The pilot had recently returned from a vacation in the Bahamas before beginning a flight from Little Rock to Atlanta, with an intermediate stop at Memphis. The itinerary included a return flight to Little Rock via a reverse routing. Witnesses reported that the pilot stated he had only two hours of sleep before departing Little Rock and that he was really tired. Company personnel also noted that the pilot appeared extremely tired and was really dragging prior to the final leg of the flight from Memphis to Little Rock. ## Approach and Loss of Contact According to air traffic control personnel, the flight was routine until the aircraft was arriving at Little Rock. During the arrival, the pilot was cleared to descend from 7,000 feet to 2,000 feet at his discretion for a visual approach to runway 22. At 0522 CDT, the pilot reported the airport in sight and was cleared for a visual approach. About four minutes later, he again reported the airport in sight and was cleared to land. At 1031, radar contact was lost, and the aircraft crashed about four miles west of the airport. ## Impact and Aftermath The initial impact occurred in an open field while the aircraft was descending in a relatively level attitude. The aircraft became airborne for about three-quarters of a mile, then crashed out of control into the Arkansas River. The pilot, who was the sole person on board, was killed.