Flight Details
The pilot filed an IFR flight plan but took off in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions and did not activate the plan. Radar data indicated that the latter part of the flight was conducted at 6,300 feet. At 1712:39 EST, a descent began, and one minute later, the flight was last recorded at 3,700 feet. Subsequently, the aircraft crashed near the top of a mountain with an elevation of 3,165 feet. The crash site was located at approximately 3,000 feet elevation. The terrain at the site was rocky and covered with ice and snow.
Weather Conditions
Approximately 8 miles west-northwest at Keene, New Hampshire, the 1755 EST weather observation reported 3,200 feet broken, 5,500 feet overcast, visibility 10 miles, and wind from 130° at 10 knots. The elevation of Dillant-Hopkins Airport in Keene is 487 feet.
Occupants and Injuries
Both occupants were killed in the accident.
Probable Cause (Official Findings)
Occurrence #1: In-flight encounter with weather.
- Phase of operation: Cruise - normal
- Findings:
1. Weather condition - clouds 2. Descent - initiated - pilot in command 3. Weather condition - low ceiling
Occurrence #2: In-flight collision with terrain/water.
- Phase of operation: Maneuvering
- Findings:
4. Light condition - dusk 5. In-flight planning/decision - improper - pilot in command 6. Visual/aural detection - pilot in command 7. Terrain condition - high terrain 8. Proper altitude - not maintained - pilot in command 9. Terrain condition - mountainous/hilly 10. Terrain condition - snow covered