Accident Overview
A flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student departed in a helicopter at night for a combined night instructional and VFR ferry flight. The pilots were navigating by following an interstate highway when they encountered an area of reduced visibility.
Pilot Actions
The CFI took control of the helicopter and executed a 180-degree turn. He reported that he entered a descent to improve his visual reference to the ground and reduced the helicopter's speed to approximately 40 knots.
Impact and Sequence
Despite the maneuver, the helicopter contacted the surface of a rice paddy. It slid in a level attitude across the paddy until it encountered uneven terrain, at which point the helicopter rolled over.
Investigation Notes
The source provides no further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, injuries, or weather conditions beyond the reduced visibility. The investigation did not assign a probable cause.