Harrell Field

Harrell Field
Name	Harrell Field
IATA	CDH
ICAO	KCDH
FAA	CDH
Owner	City of Camden
Location	Camden, Arkansas
Built	1940
Elevation-f	128
Elevation-m	39
Coordinates	33, 37, 20, N...
Website	https://www.cityofcamden.org/airport/
Pushpin label	CDH
R1-number	4/22
R1-length-f	5,001
R1-length-m	1,524
R1-surface	Asphalt
R2-number	18/36
R2-length-f	3,200
R2-length-m	975
R2-surface	Asphalt

Harrell Field is a public-use airport located three nautical miles northeast of the central business district of Camden, Arkansas. Owned by the City of Camden, it serves Ouachita County and the surrounding region in southern Arkansas. The airport features two asphalt runways and supports general aviation activities, including corporate and private flight operations.

History

The origins of the airport trace back to the early 1940s, when it was constructed to support national defense efforts during World War II. Initially developed with federal funding, it served as a training facility for military pilots and supported the war effort on the home front. Following the war, ownership was transferred to local authorities, and the facility was renamed in honor of a prominent local aviator or civic leader. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the airport evolved to meet the growing needs of the timber industry, agricultural sector, and local businesses in the Arkansas Delta region. Key developments included runway extensions and the construction of new hangars to accommodate larger aircraft used by companies like International Paper and Georgia-Pacific.

Facilities

The airport encompasses 640 acres at an elevation of 128 feet above mean sea level. It features two asphalt-paved runways: Runway 4/22 measures 5,001 by 100 feet and is equipped with medium-intensity runway lighting, while Runway 18/36 is 3,200 by 75 feet. The airport does not have an control tower and operates as a non-towered facility, utilizing a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. A Fixed-base operator on-site offers services including avgas and jet fuel, aircraft rental, maintenance, and pilot instruction. The main terminal building houses administrative offices and a pilot lounge, with additional amenities including T-hangars and box hangars for based aircraft.

Airlines and destinations

Harrell Field has not had scheduled commercial passenger service since the deregulation era of the late 20th century. Historically, it was served by smaller regional carriers such as Air Midwest and Royale Airlines, which operated feeder routes connecting to hubs like Memphis International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Today, the airport primarily serves general aviation traffic, including corporate flights for local industries, air charter services, and agricultural aviation. The nearest airports offering scheduled commercial service are Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock and Texarkana Regional Airport.

Accidents and incidents

On March 4, 1968, a Beechcraft Baron operated by a private corporation crashed during final approach in poor weather conditions, resulting in fatalities. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board cited pilot error and spatial disorientation. In January 1982, a Cessna 210 experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff and made a forced landing in a nearby field, causing substantial damage to the aircraft but no serious injuries. A more recent incident occurred in 2005, when a Piper PA-28 Cherokee overran the runway during a landing in strong crosswinds, resulting in minor damage and no injuries. These events have contributed to local advocacy for enhanced pilot training and safety initiatives.

Statistics

For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2023, the airport had approximately 12,500 aircraft operations, averaging 34 per day. This traffic consisted of 98% general aviation, 1% air taxi, and 1% military. At the time, 32 aircraft were based at the airport: 75% single-engine, 16% multi-engine, and 9% jet aircraft. The airport's economic impact on the local community, as studied by the Arkansas Department of Aeronautics, is estimated at several million dollars annually, supporting jobs in aviation services, maintenance, and related industries.

See also

* List of airports in Arkansas * Aviation in the United States * General aviation in the United States * Ouachita County, Arkansas * Camden Expedition

Category:Airports in Arkansas Category:Buildings and structures in Ouachita County, Arkansas Category:Transportation in Camden, Arkansas