Flight and Maneuver
A pilot conducting a VFR cross-country flight from Farmington, New Mexico, to Ft. Collins, Colorado, encountered a low-lying cloud during descent north of Raton Pass. To avoid the cloud, the pilot initiated a right turn. During the turn, he increased power to climb and avoid rising terrain off the right side of the helicopter.
Loss of Control
As the helicopter climbed in the right turn, it slowed and directional control was lost. The pilot reported that the aircraft began to spin to the right, and adding power increased the rate of turn. When he reduced power to slow the turn, the rate of descent increased.
Impact
The helicopter impacted the ground while still turning right and came to rest on its right side.