Accident Overview
An emergency medical services helicopter crashed while maneuvering during dark night conditions near Pyote, Texas. The accident occurred after the helicopter encountered a gust front that produced localized blowing dust and moderate to severe turbulence.
Flight History
The helicopter departed from a hospital and flew a north-northeasterly route toward its destination. Approximately 34 minutes after departure, the pilot executed a right turn to the east. Shortly thereafter, the pilot contacted company dispatch and began a position report, stating, "...hold on a [minute] dispatch, [approximately 14 seconds later] look at, gimme something to look at." No further communications were received from the helicopter. Radar data indicated that the helicopter continued in a right turn back to the north.
Accident Site Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed that the helicopter impacted the terrain on a southerly heading, opposite the direction of the destination, consistent with the helicopter having turned around again. Inspection of the helicopter found no evidence of an in-flight control or system malfunction before the initial impact.
Pilot Information
According to operator documents, the pilot had accumulated 86 flight hours as pilot-in-command of the accident helicopter make and model, and a total of 4,209 rotorcraft flight hours.
Weather Conditions
Reported weather conditions at the time and near the accident site included strong winds, moderate to severe turbulence, and an unstable atmosphere that supported thunderstorm activity.
Preflight Actions
The pilot did not obtain any formal preflight weather briefing before departure or en route. No flight dispatch services were used for the flight. No evidence was found to indicate that the pilot obtained any preflight weather briefing.