The helicopter was destroyed at approximately 1920 Mountain time when it impacted terrain while maneuvering. A post-crash fire ensued. The commercial pilot and two paramedics aboard received fatal injuries. Night visual conditions prevailed for the Part 135 practice EMS flight operated for the U.S. Army as a simulation. The flight was to use night-vision goggles. Several witnesses stated the helicopter arrived at the site and made two right orbits while panning a white spot light. Personnel on the ground attempted to make radio contact with the helicopter but were unsuccessful. The helicopter then made a third orbit, which was wider than the first two. During the third orbit, the helicopter appeared to bank approximately 45 degrees and enter a steep nose-down attitude before impacting the ground.
