Join

Cockpit Door Found in Loudoun County Field After Mid-Flight Incident

Authorities recovered the cockpit door of a small plane Saturday evening after it detached mid-flight and fell into a farm field near Purcellville. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. Saturday, April 5, when a two-seater, fixed-wing single-engine aircraft experienced a mechanical failure that caused the cockpit door to rip off while in flight near the Round Hill area of Loudoun County.

The pilot, Daniel O’Brien, 63, was able to safely land the plane at Leesburg Executive Airport without injury.

Virginia State Police, with assistance from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the scene and began searching for the missing cockpit door, which was described as white with maroon markings and measuring approximately 3 ½ feet long by 2 ½ feet wide.

Investigators located the door later that evening in a nearby farm field. Authorities had previously urged the public not to touch the door if found and to report its location to police.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are assisting in the investigation, which remains ongoing.

All photos courtesy of Virignia State Police. 

Recent Stories

Moana, trains, and theater — Your weekend fun guide is here!

WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Police say three men were injured in a shooting that broke out Wednesday afternoon, May 21, 2025, in a wooded area behind a busy shopping center on Smoketown Road.

STAFFORD, Va. – The FBI confirms it is reviewing the actions of one of its own agents who was involved in a fatal off-duty shooting in a Stafford County neighborhood earlier this year—and is now facing four criminal charges related to separate gun-related incidents.

MANASSAS, Va. – The City of Manassas is moving forward with plans for a new extended-stay hotel at the Landing at Cannon Branch. At a May 20, 2025, work session, the City Council reviewed architectural plans for a Home2 Suites by Hilton, a four-story, 100-room hotel that will become the second Hilton-branded property in the development.

POTOMAC, MD – A local credit union is receiving national recognition for offering some of the highest certificate rates in the country. Lafayette Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Rockville and serving the greater Washington, D.C. region, has been named by financial outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger, Investopedia, DepositAccounts, and GoBankingRates for its top-ranked share certificate products.

According to these sources, Lafayette Federal currently holds the #1 national ranking for its 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year certificate terms. The institution is offering fixed annual percentage yields (APYs) up to 4.28%, with a minimum deposit requirement of $500.

Share certificates, also known as certificates of deposit (CDs) at traditional banks, have grown in popularity as a low-risk savings option during a period of economic uncertainty. With interest rates rising and market volatility continuing, many savers are seeking fixed returns on their funds without taking on additional risk.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list