Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Low-Level Stall and Collision with Trees While Following Road in Decreasing Visibility (N3692L)

Woodford, VT, US

On September 27, 1983, a Cessna 172G (registration N3692L) was involved in an aviation accident near Woodford, VT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after departure in clear weather with clouds at 4000-4500 feet, he entered a cloud break and followed a road. As weather closed in and the road became curvy, he made increasingly sharp turns. The aircraft became low, the stall warning sounded, and it stalled into trees at about 60 mph with full throttle and a nose-high attitude.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, weather conditions at the time of departure were clear, with a cloud layer between approximately 4000 and 4500 feet but clear above. The pilot entered a break in the clouds and began following a road. As the flight progressed, the weather began closing in from above, and the road became increasingly curvy, requiring the pilot to make quicker and quicker turns.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft descended to a low altitude. The stall warning buzzer sounded, and the aircraft stalled into trees at an estimated speed of 60 miles per hour. The pilot reported that the aircraft was at full throttle and in a nose-high attitude at the time of impact.

Aircraft and Pilot Information

No specific details about the aircraft type, registration, engine count, or the pilot's qualifications were provided in the report. The pilot's account is the sole source of information for this incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 1983 Cessna 172G accident near Woodford, VT?

A pilot reported that after departure in clear weather with clouds at 4000-4500 feet, he entered a cloud break and followed a road. As weather closed in and the road became curvy, he made increasingly sharp turns. The aircraft became low, the stall warning sounded, and it stalled into trees at about 60 mph with full…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1983 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N3692L, at Woodford, VT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44692. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.