Accident Overview
On December 21, 2015, about 2130 central standard time, a Schweizer 269C helicopter, registration N292B, was destroyed when it impacted terrain after encountering fog while maneuvering near Warrenton, Missouri. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91 in dark night instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) without a filed flight plan. The helicopter departed Moscow Mills, Missouri, about 2100, en route to the pilot's private home helipad in Waynesville, Missouri.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported checking weather before departure, noting good conditions with 6 miles visibility and clear skies. He observed a slight haze at about 100 feet above ground level (AGL) and climbed to his planned enroute altitude of 2,000 feet AGL. The first 15 minutes of the flight were uneventful until he approached the Missouri River area. He stated that he started to lose visual reference to the ground but thought it was a small area of fog he would soon exit. He attempted to descend but could not see the ground through the fog or low clouds and initiated a climb. His altitude fluctuated between about 1,200 and 2,000 feet AGL. He then decided to turn around and exit the fog. During a slow right turn, the helicopter struck a tree. The pilot tried to climb, but the helicopter struck another tree. He then lowered the collective, and the helicopter descended through the trees to the ground.
Weather Conditions
The automated weather facility at Washington Municipal Airport (FYG), located about 11 miles southwest of the accident site at an elevation approximately 200–250 feet lower, reported at 2135: visibility 5 statute miles with mist, a 1-degree dew point depression, and a cloud ceiling of 1,000 feet AGL (which corresponds to about 750 feet above the accident site elevation). The pilot stated he received an adequate weather briefing prior to departure, but it is unknown where he obtained it, and the helicopter was not equipped with onboard weather monitoring. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at departure, but IMC were encountered near the accident area.