Accident Overview
A helicopter crashed into trees and terrain on the north side of a mountain slope while presumably attempting to clear rising terrain. The accident occurred shortly after departure from an airport located near mountainous terrain. Witnesses at the departure airport reported observing the pilots conduct a flight plan and obtain a weather briefing before the flight.
Pre-Flight and Departure
According to witnesses, the pilots had 13 gallons of fuel added to the helicopter and mentioned that they did not want the fuel tanks topped off due to the elevation. After boarding, witnesses observed the helicopter lift off the ground and wobble from side to side. The helicopter then settled back to the ground, and one of the skids made contact with the surface. Subsequently, the helicopter spun around 180 degrees and lifted back into the air. During the rotation, the main rotor blade narrowly missed contacting the ground. The helicopter then settled to the ground again, with the tail rotors narrowly missing ground contact. After sitting on the ground idling for a while, the helicopter lifted off once more.
Climb and Terrain Impact
Witnesses observed the helicopter take off and climb slowly toward mountains situated to the southwest of the airport. One witness commented that the helicopter was not climbing all that well. The helicopter subsequently impacted trees and terrain on the north side of a mountain slope.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the helicopter systems or engine that would have led to the accident. The density altitude at the accident site was calculated as 10,219 feet, and the helicopter was near its maximum gross weight around the time of the accident.
Pilot Information
Both pilots were certificated to fly the helicopter and had similar flight experience, but neither had flown the mountainous route before. Toxicology findings for the left seat pilot were consistent with recent use of diazepam.