Texas International Airlines Flight 655 was a domestic flight that met a catastrophic end while flying over the mountainous regions of Arkansas, specifically near Mena. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, departed from Dallas, Texas, bound for Mena. During the flight, the crew reported difficulties, but specific details about the nature of the issues were not communicated before the unfortunate event occurred. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft became uncontrollable and ultimately crashed into the dense wilderness of Black Fork Mountain. All 11 individuals on board, including passengers and crew, perished in the crash.

Recovery operations faced significant obstacles due to the remote and rugged terrain. Teams had to navigate through the wilderness to access the wreckage, which complicated the investigation process. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies worked diligently to uncover the circumstances leading up to the accident. Their findings highlighted issues related to aircraft maintenance and pilot training, leading to recommendations for more stringent safety protocols in the airline industry.

This tragic incident exposed vulnerabilities in aviation safety and prompted discussions on improving regulations within the airline industry. It underscored the need for airlines to prioritize maintenance and pilot preparedness for emergencies. In the wake of the crash, there was a renewed focus on enhancing safety measures and protocols across the board. Texas International Airlines reassessed its operational procedures, aligning with the recommendations from investigative bodies to prevent such disasters in the future.