Accident Overview
A helicopter collided with trees during cruise flight at low altitude in visual meteorological conditions, subsequent to which it impacted the ground and a fire erupted. The flight was en route from the airport where the private pilot had just completed a checkride for addition of a rotorcraft rating to his certificate, and they were heading back to the airport where the helicopter was based. The accident occurred in a rural area approximately 13 nautical miles from the departure airport and along the direct route of flight to the destination.
Occupants
Aboard the helicopter were a private pilot with 122 hours of flight experience, who had successfully completed the checkride earlier that day, and a flight instructor with 8,394 hours of flight experience.
Witness Account
A witness observed the helicopter in cruise flight at a 'pretty low' altitude with the tail swinging from side to side. The witness reported that as the helicopter neared a 'big tree' in its flight path, the helicopter's 'nose went up a little, and the helicopter rose up over the tree.' The witness then looked away, heard the noise of the helicopter stop, looked back, and 'saw pieces flying through the air.'
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the helicopter.