On September 28, 2002, a Cessna 310L (registration N2276F) was involved in an aviation accident near Virgil, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the flight into IMC after canceling his IFR clearance, and his failure to maintain terrain clearance while maneuvering. Factors in the accident were rain, low ceilings, and night. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane impacted trees after the pilot canceled an IFR clearance due to lack of radar coverage. The aircraft was seen at 80 feet AGL with engines running before the collision. Weather included 500-ft ceiling, 0.75-mile visibility in rain, and night.
Accident Details
An airplane was cleared for an instrument approach when the pilot requested the controller to advise when the aircraft was over the final approach fix. The controller replied that this would be impossible due to a lack of radar coverage in the area. In response, the pilot canceled the IFR clearance.
Flight Path and Impact
Approximately 4.5 minutes after canceling the clearance, the airplane was observed flying at an altitude of about 80 feet above ground level (AGL) with both engines running. About 30 seconds later, the aircraft struck trees.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, the ceiling was approximately 500 feet, visibility was about 0.75 mile in rain, and night conditions prevailed.
Investigation
An examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions of either the engine or the airframe.