Incident Summary
A twin-engine airplane stalled and crashed approximately 1,600 feet short of the runway threshold during a night approach to Newburgh-Stewart Airport. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries.
Circumstances
The accident occurred while the pilot was descending to the airport in marginal weather conditions at night. The pilot had informed air traffic control of icing conditions and was subsequently vectored for a holding pattern due to heavy traffic. While on short final approach, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground short of the runway.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factors
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a stall on approach resulting from improper in-flight decisions. Contributing factors included airframe ice, icing conditions involving sleet and freezing rain, visibility of three miles or less, fog, and the pilot having reported icing at the holding altitude prior to entering the holding pattern.