On June 5, 2003, a Cessna 150M (registration N704TG) was involved in an aviation accident near Londonderry, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots inadvertent flight into instrument meteorological conditions and his failure to maintain a safe altitude above the rising terrain. Factors related to the accident were the low ceilings and rising terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot requested flight following, but ATC terminated service due to low altitude. The aircraft struck a mountain, and the pilot suffered severe head injuries with no memory of the accident.
Overview
Prior to departure, the pilot requested flight following services from air traffic control. While flying along an airway, approximately 40 miles south of the departure airport, air traffic control advised the pilot that he was too low for a hand off and terminated flight following services.
Witness Account
According to a witness, the airplane was in and out of the clouds as it maneuvered around a mountain.
Accident Site
The airplane wreckage was located approximately 100 feet below the peak of the mountain, in a wooded area.
Pilot Condition
The pilot had no recollection of the accident due to the severe head injuries suffered.