What happened
The aircraft departed Chesterfield Municipal Airport at 1935 EDT on a flight to Fredericksburg, located approximately 55 miles north. Shortly after departure, the aircraft disappeared from radar or visual contact. It was later observed near Blackstone Army Airfield, situated 25 nautical miles southwest of Chesterfield, at 2110 hours. Witnesses reported seeing a similar aircraft attempting to approach the airfield before it made a go-around and disappeared to the south.
The wreckage was located 3.5 miles south of the airport eight months after the incident. Initial impact occurred with the left wing, causing the aircraft to bounce approximately 80 feet before coming to rest with the right wing folded over the left side. A post-accident fire consumed the flammable components of the wreckage.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the only readable cockpit instrument was the vertical speed indicator (VSI), which displayed a descent rate exceeding 2,000 feet per minute. This data suggests an uncontrolled descent prior to impact. Examination of the pilot's remains did not disclose any abnormalities that would have been causal in nature.
Findings
The aircraft had previously landed at Chesterfield for fuel before continuing its journey. The disappearance and subsequent crash occurred during the en route phase of flight. The lack of readable instruments other than the VSI, combined with the high descent rate, indicates a loss of control or spatial disorientation. No mechanical failures were identified as causal factors.
N12345 was involved in this accident. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft type is not explicitly stated in the source text but is referred to as an acft from Manassas. The phase of flight was en route.