Accident Flight
The accident occurred after an air ambulance helicopter dropped off a patient and departed from a hospital for a dark night cross-country flight back to its base. The pilot and two flight nurses were on board. A company VFR flight plan was filed. Radar data indicates that after departure, the helicopter proceeded northbound over ocean water, following the coastline at an altitude of approximately 800 feet msl. Just prior to the loss of radar contact, the helicopter entered a left turn towards the west, away from the shoreline. No eyewitnesses to the accident were located. However, several earwitnesses heard a low-flying helicopter followed by the sound of impact.
Weather Conditions
Witnesses reported low clouds and restricted visibility in rain, mist, and fog in the vicinity of the accident site. The closest aviation weather reporting station, located 5 miles northwest of the accident site, reported winds from the southwest at 6 knots, with visibilities restricted in light rain and mist, and a ceiling ranging from 200 to 800 feet. Conditions rapidly deteriorated within 30 minutes of the accident, with visibilities lowering to 1/4 mile in dense fog and ceilings at 200 feet. Plotting the helicopter's flight track on weather radar images indicates that the helicopter encountered an area of light precipitation as it approached the accident site.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot was instrument rated and met the currency requirements for IFR flight. The helicopter was equipped and certified for IFR flight. The pilot had been employed as an air ambulance helicopter pilot in the accident area for the past 16 years. He had accumulated 7,990 hours of helicopter flight time, with 4,192 hours in the accident make and model, 2,396 hours of night flight time, and 672 hours of instrument flight time.
Examination of Wreckage
Examination of the helicopter's maintenance records revealed no evidence of any uncorrected maintenance discrepancies. Damage observed on the recovered wreckage was consistent with the helicopter impacting the water in an uncontrolled descent. Examination of the recovered wreckage revealed no evidence suggesting mechanical malfunction or failure. However, the majority of the helicopter, including most of the flight control system and all flight instruments and avionics, was not recovered, precluding determination of the reasons for the loss of control.