Cockpit Door Rips Off Small Plane Midair In Virginia; Pilot Lands Safely, Police Say

A Virginia pilot pulled off a safe landing after the cockpit door of his two-seater plane tore off mid-flight Saturday morning, April 5, state police said.

The aircraft incident remains under investigation in Virginia.
Photo Credit: *Virginia State Police*

The cockpit door is still missing in Virginia.
Photo Credit: *Virginia State Police*

The plane after the aircraft incident in Virginia.
Photo Credit: *Virginia State Police*

The aircraft involved in the incident in Virginia.
Photo Credit: *Virginia State Police*

Zak Failla

04/05/2025 1:24 p.m.

The fixed-wing single-engine aircraft was flying near Round Hill in Loudoun County when the cockpit door suddenly separated from the plane around 9 a.m., according to the Virginia State Police.

Despite the in-flight scare, 63-year-old pilot Daniel O’Brien was able to safely land at Leesburg Airport with no reported injuries, police said.

The search is now on for the missing cockpit door, which police describe as white with maroon markings, about 3 ½-feet long and 2 ½-feet wide.

Anyone who sees the panel has been instructed not to touch it and should call Virginia State Police at 804-750-8798.

The FAA and NTSB have been notified, authorities said. Loudoun County Sheriff’s deputies are assisting in the search.

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