The discussion can drift around to all sorts of esoteric issues it wants.
But the simple truth is this was a CFIT event.
It occurred in Daylight over a very large Metropolitan area on a route well known by the Pilot.
The Pilot had elected to divert from his planned route and proceed to a landing site for which he did not have the Reported Weather.
The aircraft was being operated under either VFR or SVFR Rules which require adherence to a certain Minimum Visibility.
The Aircraft was observed to be "in Cloud" at the time of the collision with the Crane.
Even when asked by ATC....the Pilot had reported having "Good" Weather (meaning within VFR/SVFR limits).
The Aircraft was at or below the Minimum Altitude/Height Above Ground permissible by Rule.
At no point had the Pilot reported being IMC, requested an IFR Clearance, or was able to conduct an IFR Approach Procedure for his intended landing site.
I don't care if he was texting on two phones....and doing an Irish Jig while listening to BBC. He plainly was not flying the aircraft in any acceptable manner for the conditions extant.
He was required by his VFR and/or SVFR Clearance to maintain forward visibility and height above ground to facilitate avoiding any obstructions on his Flight Path.
As he was in Cloud he failed to do right.
Blame the Crane, ATC, NATS, God, the Devil, Fate, Luck or whatever.....the PILOT was at the Controls and making the Decisions.
He Failed in several ways.
Sadly, he died and destroyed a perfectly good Helicopter and Crane along with some Vehicles on the Ground.
What is unforgivable, is he killed an innocent person on the ground as well as injuring several others.
He was not a "great" pilot......not by a long shot.
He may have been your Friend but if you are honest with yourself, you will accept even Friends can do harm to others.