Robert Phillip Mathis, 68, Obituary, Death: Revered Former Surgeon from Corinth, Mississippi, and Respected Community Member Dies Tragically in Beech 58 Baron Plane Crash in North-Central Arkansas After Mid-Flight ‘Trim Issue’ Emergency – Community in Mourning for Beloved Doctor and Dedicated Magnolia Regional Health Alum
Robert Phillip Mathis, 68, Obituary, Death: Revered Former Surgeon from Corinth, Mississippi, and Respected Community Member Dies Tragically in Beech 58 Baron Plane Crash in North-Central Arkansas After Mid-Flight ‘Trim Issue’ Emergency – Community in Mourning for Beloved Doctor and Dedicated Magnolia Regional Health Alum
On Tuesday, October 29, the life of Dr. Robert Phillip Mathis, a 68-year-old former surgeon and prominent Corinth, Mississippi resident, ended tragically when his plane crashed near Clinton, Arkansas. The aircraft involved, a Beech 58 Baron, was registered to Mathis Timber LLC, reflecting Dr. Mathis’s diverse professional and personal pursuits. Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report that the accident followed an unexpected “trim issue,” which caused an in-flight emergency. Dr. Mathis, who was the sole occupant, tragically did not survive the crash, which has left his family, friends, and the Corinth community grappling with his sudden loss.
Dr. Mathis had departed Corinth early Tuesday morning, lifting off at 7:14 a.m. and landing in Fayetteville, Arkansas, around 9:00 a.m. Following a short stay, he took off again from Fayetteville at 1:56 p.m. for his return flight. However, roughly half an hour after takeoff, the plane crashed at approximately 2:27 p.m., in the rural north-central region of Arkansas near Clinton. Initial reports indicate that a mechanical “trim issue”—a control problem affecting the pitch of the aircraft—was the primary factor leading to the emergency that ultimately resulted in the crash.
As a former surgeon at Magnolia Regional Health in Corinth, Dr. Mathis devoted much of his career to serving the community, gaining recognition not only as a skilled physician but also as a compassionate caregiver whose dedication extended far beyond the operating room. For decades, he built a reputation in Corinth that extended from his professional achievements to his personal life, marked by kindness, community service, and a commitment to supporting the people around him. His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him, from his patients and colleagues at Magnolia Regional Health to family, friends, and the wider Corinth community.
Dr. Mathis’s extensive experience as a pilot and his involvement in aviation were well-known, and he often traveled for both business and personal reasons, enjoying the independence and freedom that flying allowed him. According to the FAA registry, his aircraft, a Beech 58 Baron, had been registered under his own company, Mathis Timber LLC. This plane was emblematic of his deep-rooted ties to the region and his commitment to both medical and community-oriented pursuits.
The NTSB, in collaboration with the FAA, has launched an in-depth investigation into the exact causes of the accident. The “trim issue” identified by the FAA as a possible cause of the emergency is a critical control factor in aircraft stability, affecting the angle of the plane in relation to the horizon. Mechanical problems with this system can lead to severe control difficulties, particularly in smaller aircraft. The investigation will examine not only mechanical factors but also the environmental conditions at the time of the crash, maintenance records, and pilot data.
Dr. Mathis’s passing has left an indelible mark on the Corinth community, where he spent decades dedicating himself to his work and the wellbeing of others. He was a revered figure, respected for his skill as a surgeon and admired for his kindness and steadfast commitment to his patients. The profound loss of Dr. Mathis has impacted the lives of those who knew him both within and outside the walls of Magnolia Regional Health. As family, friends, and the community come to terms with his sudden loss, his legacy as a medical professional, a devoted friend, and a compassionate soul will undoubtedly live on, remembered by those he touched during his lifetime.
The coming days will see further investigation results from both the NTSB and FAA as the agencies work to understand the full circumstances surrounding the crash. For now, the Corinth community remembers Dr. Mathis for his years of service, his generous spirit, and the countless lives he positively impacted throughout his career and life.
