Incident Overview
According to the investigation source, two pilots were conducting a multiple-stop, multiple-day mission to deliver a camera helicopter from California to Rhode Island for the company president. The helicopter departed an airport in Pennsylvania after midnight and, during the flight, climbed above instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). While over Connecticut, the crew attempted to circle down through the IMC to reach an airport, but during the descent, the helicopter collided with trees.
Weather and Equipment
Local weather at the time of the incident included low ceilings and fog. The helicopter was not equipped for instrument flight. There was no record that the pilots contacted any flight service stations to file a flight plan or receive a weather briefing before or during the flight.
Pilot Qualifications
The pilot in command held a commercial pilot certificate with rotorcraft-helicopter and instrument-helicopter ratings, and was also a certificated flight instructor. The second pilot had received his private pilot certificate with a rotorcraft-helicopter rating just two weeks before the accident.