What happened
On a flight traveling from Albany, New York, to Glenn Falls, a Mohawk Airlines aircraft was performing a VOR approach to runway 19. During the approach, weather conditions included light rain, a ceiling of 2,100 feet, and winds from 150 degrees at 12 knots with gusts up to 20 knots. After passing over Glenn Falls at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the aircraft traveled north for roughly 75 seconds before beginning a left turn to realign with the runway.
During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees and the northwest slope of Pilot Knob Mountain near Katsskill Bay. The impact occurred at an elevation of approximately 1,960 feet while the plane was on a heading of 180 degrees. Following the initial contact with the mountain's rock face, the aircraft fell about 38 feet, became stuck among trees and the mountainside, and caught fire. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities, including all three crew members and 11 passengers, and the total destruction of the plane.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the pilot exceeded the established clearance limits during the approach. This error caused the aircraft to enter a severe mountain downdraft on the lee side of the peak at an altitude that left no margin for recovery.