Accident Overview
A noninstrument-rated commercial pilot was conducting a cruise flight over an interstate highway at night. The weather conditions reported by a Flight Service Station at the destination airport included a ceiling of 400 feet overcast, visibility of 2 miles, drizzle, and fog. During the flight, the pilot entered a fog bank and encountered instrument flight conditions (IMC).
Sequence of Events
While in IMC, the pilot slowed the helicopter and initiated a 180-degree right turn. During the turn, he heard a popping sound from his left side and noticed a flickering light on the instrument panel. Upon checking the flight instruments, he observed that the helicopter was in a diving right turn. He saw lights on the interstate highway and increased collective pitch.
Shortly after, the main rotor blades collided with trees. The helicopter then veered to the right, crossed the interstate highway, struck additional trees, and crashed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted that the pilot held a commercial certificate but was not instrument-rated. The accident occurred at night in reduced visibility conditions due to fog and drizzle. No contributing factors or causal determinations were stated in the source material.