Experienced Pilot Killed in Experimental Plane Crash at Beaver Lake
BENTON COUNTY, AR — Authorities have confirmed the death of a well-known Northwest Arkansas pilot following a tragic plane crash at Beaver Lake on Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026. The victim has been identified as Kim Sweet, 61, of Rogers, an experienced aviator and a prominent figure in the local aviation community.
The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. near the Monte Ne area of the lake, drawing a massive response from multiple emergency departments.
The Incident and Emergency Response Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) reports indicate that at least two emergency calls were placed during or immediately after the crash—one by a member of the public and one reportedly by Sweet himself.
Rapid Response: Units were dispatched within minutes, with dive teams activated by 1:38 p.m.
The Scene: Responding crews found the aircraft nose-down in approximately 40 feet of water, with one wing broken off. A debris field spanned roughly 75 yards across the water.
Rescue Attempts: Two firefighters entered the water in an attempt to reach the pilot inside the submerged cockpit. However, they were unable to gain access. By 1:58 p.m., responders reported "negative signs of life," and the mission transitioned to a recovery operation.
The Investigation The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a preliminary report on Friday, February 27, detailing the initial findings:
Aircraft Type: The plane was identified as a Jodel F-12, a single-engine experimental aircraft.
Circumstances: The FAA stated the aircraft went down under "unknown circumstances."
Next Steps: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead on the investigation to determine the official cause of the crash.
Community Remembers Kim Sweet Kim Sweet was a deeply respected member of the Arkansas aviation community. He had served on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville since 2021 and was a dedicated flight instructor.
Legacy: Museum officials and fellow pilots described Sweet as a "highly skilled" and "proficient" aviator who was passionate about teaching young people and honoring veterans.
Aviation Hall of Famer: Friends in the community called him a "true aviation Hall of Famer" in Arkansas, noting that his loss leaves a significant void in the local flying scene.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was also notified regarding a small fuel leak at the crash site, which was managed by environmental teams. The investigation into the mechanical or environmental factors involved is ongoing.