Accident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot contacted his company operations and stated that he had inadvertently encountered instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. He requested that operations relay approach plate information for the ILS runway 17 approach to Brazoria County Airport. After receiving the information, the pilot contacted Houston Approach Control and requested the ILS approach. Vectors were provided, and he was cleared for the ILS approach; however, he was unable to become established on the approach. Three attempts were made, with the last being a no-gyro approach. Throughout this period, simultaneous radio contact was maintained with approach control and company operations. The pilot's ground speed varied from 106 knots to 28 knots.
Just before the accident, the pilot said, "...I've got an altitude problem," then after a short delay, he stated "...I am going to crash." The wreckage was found approximately 1 mile northwest of the outer marker, scattered over an area of 2,445 feet. Evidence indicated that the main rotor blades had struck the tail boom and radome and had separated in flight. One rotor blade had a preexisting crack, but blue paint matching the tail boom was found on that blade.
Weather Conditions
The weather reported at 1950 Central Daylight Time at Galveston, located 32 miles east-northeast of the accident site, was in part: 400-foot overcast ceiling, 3 miles visibility with fog and haze, and wind from 080 degrees at 18 knots.