Incident Summary
The accident occurred when an aircraft, operating under an IFR flight plan, collided with trees while executing an instrument approach to Sullivan County International Airport. Weather conditions at the time were IMC.
Flight Planning and Weather Briefing
The pilot did not obtain a complete and current weather briefing prior to the flight. Instead, weather information was relayed second-hand from the pilot originally scheduled to fly the aircraft.
Approach Execution
During the approach, the pilot descended below the decision height. The reported visibility at the airport was below the minimums established for the approach procedure.
Post-Accident Observations
In discussions following the accident, the pilot exhibited uncertainty about the correct execution of missed approach procedures.