Accident Overview
A helicopter crashed after its pilot attempted to reverse direction at low altitude and at night following an encounter with adverse weather. The aircraft struck trees and then the ground. The wreckage was located approximately 135 miles from Houston, Texas, oriented along a heading of about 075 degrees for a distance of about 500 feet from the initial point of contact with a tree approximately 75 feet high. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of flight control or engine malfunction prior to impact.
Flight Details
The purpose of the flight was to transport a valve weighing 890 pounds. The pilot had received a weather briefing and knew that conditions were poor, with low ceilings and fog. During the initial portion of the flight, the pilot was in radio contact with Ellington Tower and a police helicopter, discussing the weather and his intentions. He radioed that he could make it by following the highway at low altitude. No further radio contact was made after the helicopter departed the Houston area.
Wreckage Examination
The cargo valve was found 30 feet from the main wreckage. The cabin structure showed evidence that the valve was propelled through the right side of the cabin, door, and cushion after impact. Investigators found no tie-down cargo straps at the scene.