VIRGINIA, USA — A small plane crashed in Fauquier County just before 4 p.m. on Sunday, killing the pilot, according to Virginia State Police.
Only the pilot was on board the plane, according to a public information officer with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The crash occurred near the intersection of Midland Road and Ebenezer Church Road near the Warrenton-Fauquier Airport. The plane was a single-engine Beechcraft C23, according to the FAA.
The preliminary investigation revealed the pilot was attempting to land the plane when it collided with several trees, which caused it to crash into a field and catch fire, Virginia State Police said. No one on the ground was injured due to the crash.
The pilot was identified by his employer, DarkStar Intelligence, LLC, Monday as Dr. Simmie A. Adams.
"Today, we mourn the loss of Dr. Simmie A. Adams, a key member of our team and a beloved friend. Simmie, a talented psychometrician and avid pilot, tragically passed away in a plane crash on December 3, 2024," the Facebook post reads.
The crash remains under investigation.