Original Message

If one were to compare a similar flight....

https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N295AE/history/20240115/0144Z/OL16/4OK1

One would see the prefered Alt at all phases of flight over the same terrain. .... Proper clearances long the way, and good ground separation.

Something was very wrong with the final flight and failure to increase alt for rising terrain.

Moon phase and rise on 20th showed there should have been plenty of good vis on a night flight even with overcast skies.

Lack of awareness of rising terrain?  Was the pilot familiar with this route?  Or was it his first run from that Heliport?

RIP to the lost.