Accident Sequence
An aircraft departed from Chesterfield at 1935 hours EDT, having previously landed for fuel. Its intended destination was Fredericksburg, approximately 55 miles north of Chesterfield. Shortly after departure, the aircraft disappeared from observation. It was next observed at Blackstone, 25 nautical miles southwest of Chesterfield, at 2110 hours. A similar aircraft was seen attempting to approach Blackstone Army Airfield, making a go-around and disappearing to the south.
The wrecked aircraft was found 3.5 miles south of the airport, at Fort Pickett, eight months after the accident. The aircraft had struck the ground left wing first, bounced approximately 80 feet, and came to rest with the right wing folded over the left. Flammable parts of the wreckage were consumed in a post-accident fire.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the only readable cockpit instrument was the vertical speed indicator, which showed a descent rate of more than 2000 feet per minute. Inspection of the wreckage and the pilot's remains did not disclose any abnormalities that would have been causal in nature.