Accident Overview
On November 24, 2020, about 0928 eastern standard time, a Beech V35, registration N35AW, was destroyed when it struck a shed on a residential property near Deltaville, Virginia. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight Information
The flight departed from Hummel Field Airport (W75) in Saluda, Virginia, around 0905. The pilot did not communicate with air traffic control. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data showed the airplane tracked northeast for about 9 miles, turned right over the Chesapeake Bay, flew east for 17 miles, then south for 14 miles, and finally turned west toward W75 for 17 miles. Most of the flight was at about 850 ft above ground level (agl), with a maximum altitude of about 1,350 ft agl. The last ADS-B targets were recorded at 0928 as the airplane descended through 275 ft about 5 miles from W75.
Witness Reports
Two fishermen observed the airplane fly through a flock of seagulls, after which they saw two birds fall into the water. Shortly later, they noticed a plume of black smoke from the accident site. A third witness near the site heard a loud noise and then saw the airplane make a left turn followed by two spirals before impacting the ground.
Wreckage and Impact
Postaccident examination revealed the airplane impacted a shed on a residential property. The debris path was approximately 25 ft long, oriented on a magnetic heading of 240°. Ground scars and damage were consistent with a steep, nose-low attitude. A postimpact fire consumed most of the wreckage, but all major structural components were within the debris field. The engine separated and was found 10 ft from the main wreckage, sustaining impact and fire damage. The crankshaft rotated smoothly when turning the propeller hub manually. Two propeller blades were separated; one remained attached. The left wing showed leading edge and thermal damage; the right wing was almost completely consumed by fire. The empennage was thermally damaged. No avian remains were found, likely due to the fire.
Medical and Pathological Information
The Office of the Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia, performed an autopsy and determined the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries. No significant natural disease was identified. Toxicology testing by the FAA Forensic Sciences Laboratory detected atorvastatin and metoprolol in the fluid; both are non-impairing prescription medications for cholesterol and blood pressure, respectively. Tests for ethanol were negative.