Overview
A helicopter carrying a pilot and two passengers departed for a flight over a large mountain range. The planned route followed a highway through a large pass. Weather conditions along that route were reported to include low ceilings, snow, and fog.
Pre-Flight Weather Assessment
An area forecast had issued an AIRMET for marginal VFR and temporary IFR conditions. The pilot made several telephone calls to an FAA flight service station and his company office in the pass area to obtain current weather information.
En Route Decision
Based on the weather information, the pilot decided to cross the mountain range approximately 23 miles west of the originally intended route, choosing a small mountain pass instead of the larger one.
Encounter and Maneuver
While flying over the small pass, the helicopter encountered low ceilings with snow and fog. The pilot entered whiteout conditions, which reduced visibility. He initiated a turn to reverse the direction of flight.
Collision
During the turn, the pilot became disoriented. The helicopter subsequently collided with snow-covered terrain at an elevation of about 5,300 feet.