Incident Overview
During arrival at White Plains, NY, the pilot encountered indefinite delays and diverted to Newburgh, NY. The aircraft was vectored for an ILS runway 09 approach. En route, the pilot requested and received the ILS frequency, minimums, airport elevation (491 feet MSL), Newburgh weather, and the outer compass locator frequency, despite having current approach charts on board.
Approach and Collision
Cleared for the approach, the aircraft struck trees and crashed 2.58 miles west of runway 09. The crash site elevation was approximately 580 feet MSL, while the minimum descent altitude (MDA) for the approach was 682 feet MSL. An examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact part malfunction or failure.
Pilot and Weather Conditions
The pilot was required to wear corrective lenses. The area forecast included icing, turbulence, low-level wind shear, low ceilings, rain, drizzle, fog, and a chance of light freezing rain/drizzle. The pilot reportedly received a full weather briefing but was not briefed on SIGMETs Juliett 7 and Lima 4, which called for moderate to severe turbulence and low-level wind shear, and occasional moderate to severe mixed/clear icing in clouds and precipitation below 8,000 feet. Official findings indicated dark night conditions, and weather conditions including icing, turbulence, low ceiling, rain, fog, unfavorable wind, and wind shear. The pilot's IFR procedure was deemed improper, and he lacked total experience in the aircraft type.