The aircraft, a UH-60 medical evacuation helicopter, was part of the Army Aviation Support Facility at Rochester International Airport, according to New York state's military and naval affairs division.
It was not immediately clear what caused the crash. The military affairs division said the incident was under investigation.
There were three people on board, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said.New York governor Andrew Cuomo said he was devastated to hear the news and he extended his condolences to the families and directed all New York state buildings to lower flags to half-staff on Thursday.