Gazelle crash in NY.
 

As this aircraft probably originated from the UK, thought it might be of interest. Condolences to the pilot's family.
Newsday Story

From the FAA accident site:

IDENTIFICATION
Regis#: 911XW Make/Model: GAZ Description: 1974 WESTLAND GAZELLE AH.MK1 Date: 11/08/2002 Time: 0400

Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Fatal Mid Air: N Missing: N Damage: Destroyed

LOCATION
City: EAST HAMPTON State: NY Country: US

DESCRIPTION
AH MARK 1 GAZELLE HELICOPTER CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, 1 POB ASSUMED FATAL, DEBRIS FOUND ALONG EAST HAMPTON, NY

INJURY DATA Total Fatal: 1
# Crew: 1 Fat: 1 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Pass: 0 Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:
# Grnd: Fat: 0 Ser: 0 Min: 0 Unk:

WEATHER: UNK

OTHER DATA
Activity: Unknown Phase: Unknown Operation: General Aviation

Departed: ISLIP, NY Dep Date: Dep. Time:
Destination: EAST HAMPTON, NY Flt Plan: UNK Wx Briefing: U Last Radio Cont: UNK Last Clearance: UNK

FAA FSDO: NEW YORK, NY (EA15) Entry date: 11/12/2002

Registration details on the aircraft.

N-number : N911XW
Aircraft Serial Number : 1230
Aircraft Manufacturer : WESTLAND HELICOPTERS LTD
Model : GAZELLE AH.MK1
Engine Manufacturer : TURBOMECA
Model : ASTAZOU SER
Aircraft Year : 1974
Owner Name : SMITTERS WILLIAM
Owner Address : C/O TRATEWARE CORP
: 40 WALL ST 36TH FL
NEW YORK, NY, 10005
Registration Date : 17-Sep-2002
Airworthiness Certificate Type : Experimental
Approved Operations : Exhibition

what are the rules for 'experimental' aircraft in US (i.e. restrictions)

The ex-mil gazelles are on permit to fly in this country, there not allowed to fly at night.

I am right in understanding this accident occurred at 0400hrs?

My sincere condolences to the bereaved family.

I believe the Gazelle was a newly acquired helo for the owner. I saw the "N" number listed on a website and some text stating that the helo had a new home on Islip, Long Island.

I would be interested in knowing how much helo total time, turbine time, and in type the pilot had.

In the U.S. if you have a PPL helicopter license you can fly any helicopter up to a gross weight of 12,500 lbs. without a type rating, as far as the FAA is concerned. Insurance companies may dictate total time, time in type etc. Insurance coverage is not mandatory for private operations.