Canopy Fogging Leads to Collision and Fire in Agricultural Helicopter (N3656F)

Incident Overview

An agricultural helicopter was destroyed by fire after a collision with a power pole and wires during an early morning re-positioning flight. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff when the canopy became completely fogged over. Before the pilot could re-orient by looking through the side opening, the helicopter struck a power pole and associated wires.

Sequence of Events

The helicopter had just departed on a re-positioning flight when the canopy fogged entirely. The pilot attempted to regain orientation by looking out the side opening but was unable to do so before the collision. The impact ruptured the fuel tank, spraying aviation fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes. The resulting fire destroyed the helicopter.

Damage

The helicopter was consumed by fire following the fuel ignition. No further details on damage are available from the source.