Witnesses say a homemade ultralight aircraft, piloted by James West, 53, of Star City, attempted to take off from the airport runway. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft appeared to stall during a turn and struck a tree before impacting the ground.

First responders on scene immediately began lifesaving measures. Mr. West was transported by medical personnel to Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified and will assume the lead role in the investigation into the cause of the crash.