Approach and Vectoring
While approaching the destination airport, the pilot was advised to plan for a VOR runway 24 approach and was told that he would be turned just inside the final approach fix. At 0055, Newark Approach identified the aircraft 3 miles north of the airport, still at 2,000 feet, and asked the pilot if he was able to execute the approach from that point. The pilot replied that he was not, stating that he was in the clouds and could not see the runway. The pilot was then given turns for a vector to an ILS runway 6 approach.
Communication Loss
The pilot did not respond to subsequent transmissions. At 0104, Kennedy Approach advised Newark Approach that for some unknown reason they were now working the aircraft. At 0108, the pilot returned to the Newark Approach frequency and was given vectors to intercept the localizer. Shortly thereafter, Newark Approach lost radio contact with the aircraft. Both Newark Approach and Kennedy Approach were unsuccessful in re-establishing radio contact with the pilot.
Final Positions and Impact
At 0129, a radar target was observed over Westchester County Airport, and at 0132 the aircraft was over Danbury Airport. The aircraft subsequently impacted a hill at an elevation of 700 feet.