Background
A Piper Arrow PA-28R-201 aircraft, operating under visual flight rules (VFR), requested vectors to Windam Airport from air traffic control (ATC).
Flight Sequence
After receiving vectors, the pilot asked ATC for his distance from the airport. ATC informed him that he was 12 miles away. The pilot then initiated a descent. ATC instructed the pilot to descend at his discretion and to maintain VFR conditions. Shortly thereafter, radar contact was lost when the aircraft reached approximately 2,100 feet. ATC attempted to contact the pilot to advise him of the loss of radar contact, but the pilot did not respond.
Accident Circumstances
The aircraft subsequently impacted a wooded area in an almost vertical attitude. At the time of the accident, the weather conditions in the area were instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The pilot was not instrument rated.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the accident found no evidence of any aircraft malfunction.