A single-engine plane crashed in Warrenton, Virginia, over the weekend, killing the pilot. He was the only person aboard.

The Beechcraft C23 plane went down at around 3:45 p.m. Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration wrote on its website. The agency said it will participate in a crash investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Pilot Simmie Adams, 62, of Bealeton, Virginia, was trying to land through fog at Warrenton-Fauquier Airport when he hit trees and the plane burst into flames, according to the Fauquier Times.

Mr. Adams died at the scene, and no one on the ground was injured, Virginia State Police said, according to independent station WDVM-TV.

Mr. Adams, who was less than half a mile from the tarmac at the time of the crash, was out flying to maintain his instrument certification.

“He was a regular here and a well-respected pilot,” Warrenton-Fauquier Airport Director David Huss told the Fauquier Times.

Mr. Adams’ employer, Alexandria, Virginia, consultancy DarkStar Intelligence, told WDVM-TV that “Simmie’s contributions as a military veteran, volunteer fireman and mental health counselor reflected his deep commitment to service. … We extend our deepest sympathies to his family. His legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.