Aircraft Collision in Hilly Terrain Near Westchester County Airport (N9715W)

Departure and Initial Contact Reports A non-instrument rated private pilot departed in instrument flight conditions despite advice from several people he spoke with. Approximately one hour and thirty minutes after departure, the first of four or five Mayday calls were heard by Bridgeport Radio and an aircraft flying in the Bridgeport, Connecticut area. ELT signals were also heard during various attempts to make contact with N9715W and prior to the last known transmission from the aircraft, which occurred about 30 minutes before the accident. A witness living near the outer marker for the ILS at Runway 16 at Westchester County Airport heard an aircraft fly over his house twice, with the second pass appearing to be heading toward the ground. The witness stated the time was about 0130 and the weather was 'zero, zero.' The aircraft collided with trees in hilly terrain near the airport.