What happened
A private pilot, who was not instrument rated, was operating a helicopter in VFR conditions on top of an overcast cloud layer while flying near mountains. During communication with ATC, the pilot acknowledged instructions to maintain VFR but subsequently informed the controller that he was descending toward his destination.
During this descent, the aircraft impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of 4,600 feet MSL. Weather reported at a station 8 miles south of the accident site indicated a broken cloud layer at 2,900 feet MSL and an overcast layer at 4,900 feet MSL.
Prior to the flight, the pilot had refueled the helicopter at the departure point. The individual performing the refueling reported that the pilot appeared anxious to reach his destination.