Steve Carpenter Aircraft Accident Incident Report
Agency: Independence County Sheriff's Office
Request Details
Request Description
Incident report for aircraft accident on January 12, 2025 involving Steve Carpenter. Pilot hit powerlines, survived crash unharmed, died hours later during failed rescue. National Guard helicopter dispatched ~4hrs late, turned back after 20 min. Sheriff refusing release for 13+ months.
Exemptions Cited
Sheriff claims ongoing investigation. No specific statutory exemption cited. This does not meet any recognized FOIA exemption under Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105(b).
Notes
CRITICAL VIOLATION: 395+ days overdue. Family wants to sue but cannot obtain records. Susan Baxter (March 2026 primary challenger for Sheriff) has reported this issue publicly.
Additional Information
Request for incident report related to the aircraft accident on January 12, 2025 involving Steve Carpenter (age 70). Mr. Carpenter survived the crash but died during rescue operations. The Sheriff’s Office has refused to release this report for over 13 months, claiming an ‘ongoing investigation.’ This is a critical violation of Arkansas FOIA law.
Your Rights Under Arkansas FOIA
Under Ark. Code Ann. § 25-19-105, all public records must be open to inspection and copying by any citizen. Custodians must respond within 3 business days. If you believe a FOIA violation has occurred, you may file a complaint with the Arkansas Attorney General or pursue legal action in circuit court.