Flight Details
The pilot, who was not instrument-rated, began a cross-country flight at night. There was no record of a weather briefing prior to departure. Although visual meteorological conditions were reported, witnesses along the flight path observed isolated areas of fog and low clouds.
Witness Observations
Two witnesses traveling in a vehicle saw a momentary glow beyond a ridge that was obscured by a low cloud. The terrain consisted of rolling, tree-covered hills with no ground lighting.
Wreckage and Debris
Investigators found a tree with freshly skinned bark near the top of a ridge, located 670 feet from the main wreckage site. The debris trail between the tree and the main wreckage included components from the battery located in the nose of the helicopter, side doors, windshield plexiglas, part of the trailing edge of one main rotor blade, and part of one tail rotor blade. The helicopter burned upon impact.
Mechanical Examination
Examination of the helicopter and engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.
Pilot Experience
The pilot's total flight experience was estimated at approximately 386 hours, with 60 hours in the make and model of the accident helicopter.