Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
While inbound to SWF; we were established on a 20 mile right downwind for Runway 27 at 5;000 MSL. Weather was VFR and we had briefed the visual 27 backed up with the ILS 27. We had discussed the terrain; MSA's and highest obstacle well north of the field at 2;000 FT. We were advised of a departure off 27 which would depart to the north and were told that we would be vectored for a left downwind for the visual approach 27; and a descent to 4;000 MSL. At approximately 5 NM west of the field; and the field in sight; we we're cleared the visual approach to 27. At roughly abeam the field; we began to slow and put 2;500 FT into the MCP; THE FAF altitude at POPOW. We both saw and discussed the 1;745 tower south and abeam of POPOW. While level at 2;500 MSL; and maneuvering south of the tower; we planned to intercept the localizer outside of POPOW. As we crossed the east bank of the water feature; we received a terrain warning; 'TERRAIN; PULL UP'. We immediately executed a CFIT maneuver; the warning ceased; and we leveled at 1;000 MSL. The terrain was in sight and was cleared visually as well. The terrain display on the HSI showed only green throughout the event. We then maneuvered to intercept the LOC outside of POPOW; and landed uneventfully. After landing; the crew discussed that neither had ever been cleared the visual approach from the south side of the airfield. We realized that the rapidly rising terrain east of the water extends well south of the tower. In hindsight; we realized that we should have referenced the south MSA's and the highest altitude on the approach into our decision making process. Perhaps the 10-10 page should mention a caution of terrain east and south of the airfield while recommending a 3;500MSL altitude until established on the localizer.
[Narrative #2 contains no additional information.]
A flight crew failed to properly brief a 1;745 FT communications towers abeam SWF Runway 27 Final Approach Fix POPOW and executed the CFIT escape maneuver after an EGPWS TERRAIN; PULL UP warning while turning to Runway 27 final.