Incident Overview
While approaching the destination airport, the pilot informed air traffic control that he did not feel well and expressed a desire to land "as quickly as possible." ATC cleared the pilot to land. While on a right base leg, the aircraft pitched 45 degrees nose-down and subsequently collided with terrain and a residence located approximately 1,600 feet from the runway.
Injuries and Damage
One person inside the residence sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was destroyed, and the residence was also damaged.
Pilot Medical History
A pathological examination revealed that the pilot had an advanced stage of generalized atherosclerosis. Some of his coronary arteries were 95 percent occluded. According to medical certificate applications, the pilot reported having 6,200 hours of flight time on a 1981 application and 2,500 hours on a 1983 application.
Sequence of Events
The pilot declared a medical emergency and was cleared to land. No further communications were reported. The aircraft was maneuvering on a right base leg when it abruptly pitched down 45 degrees, leading to an uncontrolled descent and impact with a residential structure short of the runway.