Background
The flight was conducted under an IFR flight plan to Westchester County Airport (HPN) in New York. Weather conditions were reported as IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions). The departure was delayed because of a reported problem with the attitude gyro. The pilot was informed that the instrument required overhaul due to bearing noises and fluctuations in its indications.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft initiated an ILS approach to Westchester Airport. The first approach attempt resulted in a missed approach. During the second attempt, air traffic control observed that the aircraft was experiencing difficulty and issued a warning to the pilot. The pilot responded that he had no directional gyro (D.G.). Controllers provided several vectors, but the aircraft did not follow them precisely. Subsequently, a loss of control occurred. The aircraft then collided with trees while in a steeply descending right turn. The engine was buried seven feet into mud, indicating a high-speed impact.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the accident site revealed that the aircraft impacted trees during the ILS approach. The evidence showed the aircraft was in a steeply descending right turn at the moment of impact. The engine was embedded seven feet into the mud, consistent with high kinetic energy. The flight had been delayed prior to departure due to an attitude gyro malfunction; the pilot was advised that the instrument needed overhaul because of bearing noises and fluctuating indications.