What happened
An instrument-rated pilot was performing a ferry flight in a single-engine airplane from Warrent0n-Faquier Airport (W66) in Warrenton, Virginia, to Winchester Regional Airport (OKV) for an annual inspection. Approximately three hours before departure, the pilot contacted flight service to inquire about VFR conditions for the route, specifically asking if there would be a "clear shot" for the afternoon flight. The briefer reported forecasted visibility greater than 6 miles with an overcast ceiling of 3,000 feet.
During the flight, the aircraft collided with mountainous terrain at an altitude of 1,604 feet on a mountain with an elevation of 1,880 feet. At the time of the impact, the aircraft was operating in instrument meteorological conditions. Following the report that the aircraft was missing, an air search was prevented by low cloud cover, necessitating the start of a ground search. A Virginia State Trooper noted that the mountain had been obscured by fog on the day of the accident.
Data recovered from a handheld GPS showed a northwesterly flight track originating from W66 and heading toward OKV, with the final recorded track point located directly over the accident site.
The investigation
An examination of the airplane and its engine was conducted, which revealed no mechanical deficiencies.