So because the ops manual was VFR only, the Chief Pilot / PIC couldn’t come to the conclusion that he had gotten himself in over his head, hollered “Uncle” and climbed up to find VFR conditions or make a safe landing when able? Instead, he pressed on. I am reasonably certain that helicopter had instruments capable of getting him to VFR conditions and answering for it later. And if, perchance, it didn’t … then the machine should never have left the ground on a day like that encountered. Beyond that, I’d say that the PIC should have taken a copilot/observer with him under the condition of weather and high vis customer. He was SO focused on finding the Ventura freeway that he forgot everything else. A second set of eyes might have made a difference? Confess, climb, conserve, communicate and comply.
If there’s one takeaway for me – personally – here … I will take command of any situation that gets out of hand and not be afraid to exercise my right to FAR 91.3 .