VFR flight entering into IMC when unintended, unexpected and undesired, is one of the most challenging situations any pilot can face. Perhaps particularly in a helicopter? Preceding that with extensive manoeuvring and speed changes means the inner ear will likely give you a very bad case of the leans.
Having at some previous point held a ticket to prepare and then fly on instruments ‘under the hood’ (possibly on a totally different helicopter?) is of limited value I’m afraid.
There is absolutely no substitute for continuous regular IFR training in the actual aircraft. But if the operator thinks flight on instruments is not required for their operation, who will pay for the pilot’s training. Even if the pilot understands the requirement?
IF this proves to be unsuccessful unplanned entry into IMC whilst attempting to maintain visual contact with the ground, it will merely be the most recent in a long, long, long list of similar accidents.
It’s an insidious, and utterly unnecessary chain of events.
How tragically sad for all involved. I am so very sorry.