Flight Planning and Departure
The pilot-in-command of helicopter N8495E obtained a weather briefing that recommended against conducting a flight under visual flight rules (VFR). Despite this advisory, the pilot departed for the intended destination and activated a flight plan.
Communication and Tracking Failure
The flight service station (FSS) with which the pilot activated the flight plan closed before N8495E reached its destination. Flight information for the helicopter was passed to the King Salmon Flight Service Station. However, an air traffic specialist at King Salmon failed to 'suspense' the flight information for N8495E. This omission led to the absence of any overdue aircraft report and no search and rescue initiation.
Accident Sequence
While operating in the vicinity of the Dutch Harbor Airport, the helicopter encountered heavy fog. The pilot-in-command saw a cliff appear in front of the helicopter and veered away to avoid it. A second cliff then appeared, and as the pilot veered away again, the helicopter struck the water and subsequently sank.