Accident Overview
A helicopter collided with the terrain and a fence shortly after the pilot took off from a fair ground at night on a sight-seeing flight. The accident occurred following a takeoff that, according to witness accounts and a home video recording, involved aggressive maneuvering.
Witness Accounts
A home video recording of the takeoff showed aggressive maneuvering of the helicopter with rapid changes in aircraft attitude, direction, and altitude. One witness reported that after takeoff, the pilot made a turn that 'was not safe,' and then the helicopter departed at an altitude of about 50 ft above ground level before crashing about 1/8 mile away.
Another witness reported that before the accident, the helicopter was flying at low altitude along a road and near a power line. According to this witness, the helicopter was in proximity of the power line when it 'swung to the left, then turned upside down and plowed into the ground.'
Mechanical Examination
No preimpact mechanical problem was found with the airframe or powerplant during the post-accident examination.