Incident Overview
A helicopter operating as N1498W crashed and burned approximately 100 feet from a highway, near a power line crossing. The aircraft was on a flight intended to transport a news crew to a location for a story. The wreckage was not discovered until 1150 CST. No emergency locator transmitter (ELT) was installed on the aircraft.
Flight Details
The news crew had previously attempted to hire another helicopter operator, who declined due to forecast low visibility. The pilot of N1498W, however, agreed to fly. Although the pilot was certified for instrument flight in airplanes, he was not qualified for instrument flight in helicopters, and the helicopter was not certified for instrument flight. During a weather briefing, the pilot was advised of adverse weather conditions.
Weather and Witness Accounts
Two witnesses observed a helicopter flying along a highway on the pilot's planned route at a very low altitude. A truck driver estimated the aircraft passed approximately 2 feet over his 13-foot rig, and he reported feeling the downwash from the rotor blades. Witnesses estimated the ceiling to be at or below 100 feet above ground level (AGL) and visibility to be 1/8 to 1/4 mile in heavy fog.
Impact and Wreckage
Impact occurred while the helicopter was in a shallow descent, heading away from the highway and parallel with the power line. The aircraft crashed and burned near the highway. The wreckage was not located until hours later. No further details about the occupants or damage have been released.