Originally Posted by
gums
Salute!
Maybe Wolf could contribute here, as I thot the larest H-53 series had great nav gear and radar for flying in poor weather.
Not so sure about a radar. Wasn't standard equipment on a 53E. It began as a troop hauler, a cargo hauler, and the MH-53E was a mine warfare helicopter.
John Dixson can tell you better than I can about details. Based on his experience he's substantially more familiar with the CH-53E than I.
The 53E has blade anti ice, and has standard IFR capability. (Yes, it appears to still have steam gages).(I have never seen the K's cockpit, but I suspect it's glass).
The 53E should be able to handle bad weather.
My thots are a mechanical problem, then running outta a good place to set down. OTOH cannor rule out cfit. .
If they were flying over the mountains in bad weather, that by itself can create some challenges depending on the altitude. Lots of things can go wrong.