On January 7, 1996, a Mooney M20F (registration N9199V) was involved in an aviation accident near Cape Charles, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision making by continuing flight into known adverse weather conditions. Related factors were the dark night and the winter storm (snow and fog). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot without an instrument rating disappeared from radar while attempting to avoid a winter storm over Chesapeake Bay. The aircraft was seen descending from 2100 to 800 feet in a right turn before radar contact was lost.
Incident Overview
On a dark night with snow and fog, a pilot contacted Norfolk Approach Control requesting permission to transit their airspace. The pilot indicated an intention to fly south along the coast to avoid an approaching winter storm, despite having been advised that VFR flight was not recommended. The airplane subsequently disappeared from radar and radio contact while over the Chesapeake Bay.
Radar Data
Radar data showed the airplane in a descending right turn from 2,100 feet MSL until it faded from radar at 800 feet MSL. No further communications were received after that point.
Search and Wreckage
Search efforts located airplane parts along the beach, and the main wreckage was found in the Chesapeake Bay. The wreckage has not been fully recovered.
Pilot Information
The pilot did not possess an instrument rating. Weather conditions at the time were described as a dark night with snow and fog.