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.Â
Recent Stories
DOSWELL, Va. â Kings Dominion is hitting the big 5-0 this Saturday, May 3, and the park is throwing a day-long celebration to mark the milestone.

Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking â Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!
LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University
Middle School Students | Two Sessions:
July 7â11, 2025
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nationâs first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MDâs change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,â he explains. âAchieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.â
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. âI believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.â Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, âMy patients know Iâm always just a phone call away.â
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