Fatal Small Plane Crash Near Route 29 in Albemarle County, Virginia Claims One Life
1 dead after small plane crashes in Virginia, troopers say
Officials said there was one reported fatality and that the flight originated from Rockingham, N.C.
1 killed when small plane crashes in Albemarle County, troopers say
Troopers were called to the crash in a wooded area off Monacan Drive East around 12:50 p.m., according to officials with Virginia State Police.
'Not going to make it': Engine failure blamed for fatal plane crash outside Charlottesville
When the pilot stops responding, air traffic control immediately radios two other airplanes in the area to begin searching for the crash site on the ground.
A single-fatality plane crash occurred Saturday morning in a wooded area near Route 29 and the Rivanna River in Albemarle County, Virginia. Virginia State Police responded to the crash site off Monacan Drive East at approximately 12:50 p.m. after receiving reports from local residents who heard a distinctive thump followed by silence. The small aircraft, which originated from Rockingham, North Carolina, went down in a densely wooded section adjacent to major transportation corridors. Emergency responders from Virginia State Police led the initial response, with federal aviation authorities being promptly notified. The sole occupant of the aircraft was confirmed deceased at the scene, with authorities working to notify next of kin. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been engaged to conduct the mandatory investigation into the cause of the crash.
Location and Infrastructure - The crash site off Monacan Drive East sits within a critical transportation corridor near Route 29, a major north-south highway connecting Charlottesville with Northern Virginia. This area, characterized by its proximity to the Rivanna River, features mixed woodland and residential developments. The location's terrain includes varying elevations and dense forest cover, which can impact both general aviation operations and emergency response access. The area falls within the approach patterns for local airports, including Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, making it subject to regular air traffic and associated federal aviation regulations.
Legal Rights and Considerations - Aviation accidents fall under both federal and Virginia state jurisdiction, with investigations governed by NTSB regulations (49 CFR Part 831). Potential claims may involve wrongful death statutes (Code of Virginia § 8.01-50), with a two-year statute of limitations. Compensation could encompass wrongful death damages, property damage, and related claims. Insurance considerations typically involve aviation liability policies, aircraft hull insurance, and potential third-party liability coverage. Family members may be entitled to damages including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship under Virginia law. An experienced Virginia personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources:
- Albemarle County Police Department: Emergency Response Division
- Virginia State Police Aviation Division
- NTSB Regional Office - Eastern Region
- Virginia Department of Aviation
- FAA Flight Standards District Office - Richmond
- Virginia Victims Services: Aviation Accident Support
- Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority
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