Accident Overview
A pilot reported that prior to a night departure, he checked weather conditions for airports along his route, all of which reported visual meteorological conditions. The night sky was clear during his preflight inspection. After performing a maximum performance takeoff and reaching approximately 65 feet above ground level, he encountered a thick layer of fog that had moved in during the 7-10 minute warm-up period. The pilot lost all visual reference to the surrounding area.
Pilot Actions
Determining that he could maintain the helicopter in a level attitude, the pilot decided to continue the ascent in an attempt to climb above the fog. A few seconds after initiating the ascent, the helicopter impacted the top of a cedar tree. The pilot then initiated an emergency descent, during which the helicopter sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain and rolling over onto its left side.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.