Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot on an emergency medical service (EMS) flight to transport survivors from an airplane accident attempted a night takeoff from a remote, confined landing area on a ridge. The landing site was approximately one-quarter mile from the airplane crash site. At about 2400 MDT, the pilot began the takeoff with two emergency medical technicians (EMTs), a sheriff, and a burn victim aboard.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initiated a straight-ahead climb over a ridge but then paused and executed a rudder turn. As the helicopter started to take off downwind in light and variable winds, the pilot lost visual reference with the ground. Subsequently, the helicopter began moving backwards, and the tail rotor contacted a tree. The helicopter then crashed on downsloping terrain and came to rest lodged against a tree.
Context
The flight was part of an EMS response to a prior airplane accident. The night operation involved a confined area takeoff from a ridge. No further details about the aircraft, operator, or occupants beyond those mentioned are available.