As this illustrates:
NTSB Identification: DEN05LA053
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, January 29, 2005 in Pilar, NM
Aircraft: Eurocopter AS 350 B3, registration: N351LG
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On January 29, 2005, approximately 2005 mountain standard time, a Eurocopter AS 350 B3, N351LG, operated by Petroleum Helicopters Inc., was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain near Pilar, New Mexico. A postimpact fire ensued. Unknown meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The positioning flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 on a company VFR flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The cross-country flight originated from Espinola, New Mexico, approximately 1940, and was en route to Taos (SKX), New Mexico.
According to the FAA inspector who traveled to the scene, the pilot was flying the helicopter to SKX. The pilot was wearing night vision goggles while flying and became disoriented. Upon removing the goggles, the helicopter impacted a mesa.
The 2025 aviation routine weather report (METAR) from SKX, 15 nautical miles northwest of the accident location, reported the weather as follows: winds, 220 degrees at 6 knots; visibility, 3/4 statute mile; sky condition, overcast 200 feet; temperature, 0 degrees C.; dewpoint 0 degrees C.; altimeter, 30.00 inches.