Flight and Weather Briefing
A certificated airline pilot and two passengers departed in a helicopter for a planned destination airport located about 27 miles northwest of the departure point. Before departure, the pilot received a weather briefing in which VFR flight was not recommended due to low ceilings and low visibility. The pilot was familiar with the geographic area. He subsequently received a special VFR clearance through an airport traffic area and departed to the northwest.
Witness Observations and Weather Conditions
About 20 miles from the departure point, witnesses observed the helicopter paralleling a highway at an altitude of about 200 feet above ground level. The weather at the time was reported to include a 200-foot overcast ceiling, gusty winds, heavy rain, and visibility of about one-half mile.
Collision
Witnesses then observed the helicopter strike the top of a 223-foot high transmission tower and explode. The location of the transmission line was marked on the area sectional chart.