Accident Overview
A helicopter operating an emergency medical service flight was destroyed when it struck terrain during a night mission. The accident occurred in a sparsely populated area lacking lighted ground references. Marginal visual flight rules conditions prevailed along the route of flight at the time of the accident.
Pilot Background
The pilot had a documented history of difficulty flying at night without lighted ground references. The company base and safety managers reported this deficiency to the company chief pilot. In response, the chief pilot evaluated the pilot during a night flight. Following the evaluation, the chief pilot increased the pilot's nighttime weather minimums for a period of 25 night hours to allow the pilot to gain more night experience. The accident flight was the pilot's fourth night mission after being evaluated by the chief pilot.
Operational Factors
The accident occurred on a dark night with no lighted ground references in the surrounding area. The helicopter was being operated under marginal visual flight rules conditions. No information was provided regarding air traffic control involvement or the specific weather elements present.
Wreckage Examination
Inspection of the helicopter wreckage revealed no evidence of a pre-impact malfunction. A review of the helicopter's daily usage logs indicated that there were no unresolved maintenance discrepancies. The pilot who flew the helicopter prior to the accident flight did not report any malfunctions.