Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot encountered restricted visibility during a preflight inspection due to moisture (dew) accumulated on the aircraft's bubble. Lacking towels, the pilot attempted to clear the bubble by wiping it with his hands.
Departure and Obstacle Strike
As the pilot prepared to depart, he observed bystanders approaching the aircraft. To avoid them, he initiated a takeoff in a direction away from their position. During the departure, the helicopter flew into telephone wires. The pilot also noted that the sun was positioned directly in front of him, further limiting his ability to see the wires.
Contributing Factors
While the pilot's report does not assign specific causes, the sequence of events highlights the challenges of preflight preparation, environmental conditions, and decision-making during takeoff. The presence of moisture on the bubble, the lack of appropriate cleaning materials, and the need to maneuver away from bystanders combined with sun glare created a situation where the pilot inadvertently struck the wires.