Accident Details
On the day of the accident, the pilot contacted the FAA's Anniston Flight Service Station about 15 minutes before departure, requesting a weather briefing for a flight from Montgomery to Birmingham. The briefer advised that an AIRMET was in effect for instrument flight rules conditions from Birmingham northward and that visual flight rules flight was not recommended. The helicopter departed Montgomery at approximately 1855 hours.
Witness Accounts
At around 1935, witnesses heard the helicopter flying from south to north at a low altitude, producing a steady, loud, whining noise. Approximately two to three seconds later, they heard a thump crash sound, after which no further helicopter noise was heard. The witnesses went outside and observed fire from the wreckage of N395WM. They stated that at the time of the accident, the weather was dark and slightly foggy.
Wreckage Examination
Post-crash examination revealed that the helicopter impacted in a near-nose-down vertical descent while on a 185-degree heading. All components necessary for flight were located on or around the main wreckage. A post-crash fire consumed the fuselage. Examination of the remaining structure, flight controls, main and tail rotor systems, and engine showed no evidence of pre-crash failure or malfunction. Damage to the main rotor system and engine drive shaft was consistent with the engine and rotor system operating at the time of impact.