Original Message

It is HIGHLY likely that this was a CFIT accident. Aircraft was cruising at 4800' prior to the accident. A mountain in line with the flight path is 5256'. Just prior to this mountain is when the pilot like recognized the situation and did a cyclic climb, but too late. It is entirely possible to have ripped off at least the pilot side skid leaving behind the cross tubes and pilot side step. Pilot side step is visible in the post crash photos. I do not suspect hitting actual terrain, just trees. During the cyclic climb it is also possible that the fenestron and boom were damaged.

Look at the track and terrain, contour lines and everything. We will see what the pilot says in a few days.