M & L Aircraft

Before and during flight, the pilot received info about thunderstorms in the vicinity of the destination airport. During arrival, the pilot was given the Little Rock altimeter setting. He was cleared to descend and cross the NDB (initial approach fix) at or above 3,100 feet msl, then was cleared for the approach. About 7-1/2 minutes later, the pilot declared a missed approach and requested another. He acknowledged clearance for the 2nd approach, then there was no further radio contact with the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft hit trees and crashed on high (mtn) terrain about 6-1/2 miles west-southwest of the airport. Impact occurred while the aircraft was on an easterly heading at about 1,195 feet msl. Minimum altitude for the approach was 2,300 feet until established inbound from the NDB, then when using a Little Rock altimeter setting, a minimum altitude of 1,860 feet was required until passing the baiks fan marker, 4.6 miles from the runway. A pilot, who was waiting to depart the airport, estimated there was a variable overcast at 300 feet to 700 feet and the visibility was 1 to 2 miles with rain. The airport elevation was 464 feet. The aircraft was destroyed and all six occupants were killed.