http://www.taic.org.nz/aviation/03-001.pdf
http://www.taic.org.nz/aviation/abst...00.html#03-001
Well team, this is an INTERESTING read. I suggest you take the time to peruse all the PDF as it is very informative. The description of the flight starts on page 9 of the PDF.
The long and the short of it all is:
Pilot overflew waypoint in below VFR conditions in an area of mountainous terrain and initiated climb in IFR conditions to known safe altitude.
While climbing contacted terrain and damaged herself and aircraft. Managed to recover unusual attitude and divert to an aerodrome nearby.
Hovered for 1.5hrs with badly injured hand.
Of interest was the lack of formal rules for the night route that was being used.
Locally here in Canada our SOP's call for 1000ft above highest obstacle within 3nm and 500ft from cloud.
In this instance the flight was planned at 2500 and the investigators hint that 5000 may've been a better altitude.
There is plenty to learn in this one. Enjoy the read.
Steve76