Incident Overview
A helicopter (N124NH) crashed in a wooded area during a steep descent after the pilot inadvertently encountered instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) during a night visual flight rules (VFR) flight. The pilot, a non-instrument rated commercial pilot, was en route at 2,000 feet mean sea level when he reported the weather encounter.
Flight Details
During the 35-minute flight, the pilot maintained radio contact with air traffic control (ATC), the company dispatcher, and a company pilot operating another helicopter. He was receiving VFR flight following service. The pilot expressed concern about the weather to the other company pilot and stated his intention to turn back. Later, he reported that the weather had cleared and that he would proceed to the destination. However, he subsequently requested and was given a heading to reverse course because of fog.
Final Moments
Approximately two minutes after the heading change, at 2105 Eastern Daylight Time, ATC lost radar contact with the flight. Around the same time, the other company pilot radioed to check on his progress. The pilot of N124NH responded that he was going "inverted." No further transmissions were received from him. The helicopter then crashed in a wooded area.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction.