Silsoe....
It's a pity that there wasn't some local flight following setup or LS supervision
There is.....thats how I used to speak to him often " Scottish Information" The only problem is as you are probably aware VHF comms are line of sight so once he entered the Honister Pass I would lose comms from my TX/RX site in southern Scotland.
Topbottom....
Given the weather and time of day, I can't imagine he was going on a sight-seeing trip, so isn't it reasonable to assume that the crash occurred a few seconds after he lifted?!
One thing we never do in ATC is assume "It makes asses of u and me".....no, I guess he was not on a sight-seeing trip but may have flown north west down the valley before for what ever reason turning back.......its more than likely though he did crash seconds after take-off but surely you get my drift......all those of you that have commented and tried to put the pilot down by making press quotes and showing what you feel are dodgy flights as shown on youtube are making your judgements on assumptions!!! something we in aviation should never do...and no I am not upset at your comments because I knew Mark, just upset at your comments because you base none of them on known fact...its always the same on pprune when an accident happens...the gouls normally come out with their know better comments..!!!