Accident
While on approach to Rochester-Greater Rochester Airport, the pilot lost control of the airplane, which entered a dive and crashed in flames in Cheektowaga County. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, and the pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained fatal injuries.
Investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and determined that the aircraft had been on a final approach when control was lost. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or operator have been released. The accident occurred in Cheektowaga County, which is adjacent to the airport.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was an uncontrolled descent on final approach resulting from improper operation of flight controls. Contributing factors identified in the investigation include the pilot's physical impairment and a hypertensive hemorrhage of the left basal ganglia, which likely affected the pilot's ability to safely operate the aircraft.