Background
The accident occurred during the final leg of a flight originating from Winchester, Virginia. The trip had been discontinued the previous day because of adverse weather conditions. On the day of the accident, the pilot obtained two weather briefings, both of which included statements that VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight was not recommended for the proposed route along Interstate 48.
The pilot communicated with a friend that the weather looked 'terrible' but was nevertheless good enough to get home. She also stated that she would turn around if poor weather was encountered.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses traveling west on Route 48 observed the aircraft flying at approximately 400 feet above ground level. The aircraft was below an overcast layer that obscured the hilltops. As the aircraft approached the accident site, the ceiling lowered. Witnesses then saw the aircraft in a steep left bank, about 50 to 60 feet above the ground. The nose pitched sharply downward, and the aircraft struck a highway access ramp, coming to rest there. A fire ensued.
Aftermath
Fog and rain subsequently enveloped the accident site, preventing a medical evacuation helicopter from landing on scene. The pilot succumbed to injuries at a hospital approximately eight hours after the accident.