History of Flight
On December 3, 2023, about 1548 eastern standard time, a Beech C23 airplane, N76SB, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Midland, Virginia. The commercial pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
ADS-B track data revealed that the pilot departed from runway 15 at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport (HWY) about 1308 and conducted three RNAV instrument approaches to Stafford Regional Airport (RMN) and one RNAV instrument approach to Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR) before returning to attempt an approach and landing at HWY. According to air traffic control, the pilot provided several PIREPs regarding cloud heights. The flight was cleared for the RNAV runway 33 approach to HWY with an intended full-stop landing. The pilot advised that he intended to cancel his IFR clearance once below the clouds. ADS-B data showed the airplane descended toward runway 33, and track data was lost about 4,350 ft short of the runway and right of the centerline. The pilot made no distress calls during the approach.
A witness hunting about 1 mile from the accident site reported hearing the accident but no engine noises just before impact. A surveillance camera about 0.5 miles away captured the sound of the engine operating, followed by the sound of impacting trees and a visible fireball.
Meteorological Information
HWY weather at 1555 reported wind calm, visibility 1.75 miles with mist, ceiling overcast at 300 ft agl, temperature 14°C, dew point 13°C, altimeter 29.66 inHg. Observations identified low instrument flight rules (LIFR) conditions at HWY and CJR, while RMN indicated IFR conditions. A PIREP from the accident airplane at 1508 over CJR reported cloud tops at 1,600 ft msl and bases less than 700 ft msl. AIRMET Sierra forecast IFR conditions due to precipitation, mist, and fog. AIRMET Tango forecast moderate turbulence and low-level windshear potential.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane collided with 80-ft-tall hardwood trees on a 330° heading about 0.35 nautical miles east of the runway 33 threshold. A postaccident fire consumed most of the forward fuselage and cockpit. The right wing separated during impact; the left wing remained partially attached and was folded under the cabin. Flight control continuity was partially established due to thermal damage. The engine remained attached and was impact and thermally damaged. Crankshaft continuity was established, and cylinder compression and suction were observed on all four cylinders. The fuel system was largely consumed; the fuel selector valve operated normally. The propeller remained attached; one blade was straight, the other bent forward near the tip. Several tree limbs with 45° cuts consistent with propeller strikes were observed.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy of the pilot determined the cause of death as thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. Mild coronary artery disease was present. Postmortem toxicology detected carboxyhemoglobin (20% in iliac blood per Virginia, 16% per FAA), cyanide (0.34 µg/mL in heart blood), diphenhydramine at low levels, and other medications (alfuzosin, naproxen, desloratadine, valsartan) that are not typically impairing.