FWIW, unintended flight in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (UIMC) statistically ranks at the top of fatal helicopter accidents. DISCLAIMER: it is complete speculation that UIMC played any role in this accident:
IMHO, as a former sim instructor, MOST pilots exhibited difficulty at the onset of IMC, and many pilots had extreme difficulty. All of these pilots were instrument rated, but not necessarily performing IFR duties. ONLY a handful could successfully execute an immediate 180 degree turn without the assistance of an autopilot. This maneuver was typically one of the most challenging and problematic to complete successfully.
Previous wisdom highlighted the execution of a 180 turn. In fact, my former military background emphasized the maneuver as part of an IMC recovery. However, the time to make a 180 turn is prior to the UIMC encounter. Climb gradient performance of current helicopters typically allows the straight-ahead climb in all but the most restricted environments. According to the FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook, at the onset of IIMC:
“…pick a heading known to be free of obstacles and maintain it. This will likely be the heading you were already on, which was planned and briefed.”
…
“Try to avoid immediately turning 180°. Turning around is not always the safest route and executing a turn immediately after UIMC may lead to spatial disorientation. If a 180° turn is the safest option, first note the heading you are on then begin the turn to the reciprocal heading, but only after stable flight is achieved…”