A single-engine Cessna 177 Cardinal crashed into Arkansas' Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, tragically killing the pilot and injuring his daughter. The aircraft, piloted by 49-year-old Daniel Dale Jones, was diverted from its original Kentucky destination due to inclement weather, according to Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Courtney Kizer. The pilot reported aircraft distress and intended to land at the Hot Springs airport. Emergency responders were already prepared on the tarmac, but the plane crashed into the lake before reaching the runway.

The crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Initial reports from the FAA indicate potential engine problems prior to the crash. Jones' 23-year-old daughter, Denise Jones, survived the crash and was initially taken to a local hospital before being transferred to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Both individuals are Kentucky residents.

Local residents Dana and Laura Long witnessed the crash. Laura saw the plane descend rapidly and hit the water, while Dana saw the resulting splash. They rushed to the scene and found the plane mostly submerged. Denise had emerged from the wreckage and was floating on her back. Using a pole and a floating mat, the Longs managed to pull her to safety. Emergency responders arrived soon after and recovered the unresponsive pilot, who was later pronounced dead. The plane is registered to EB Engraving LLC of Phoenix, Arizona.