Incident
An agricultural application helicopter experienced an accident during a low-visibility flight. The pilot had taken off at dawn and was en route to a spraying location. The weather conditions included a 300-foot overcast cloud ceiling and flight visibility ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 mile.
Sequence of Events
While en route, the helicopter flew into a fog bank. The pilot lost visual contact with the ground as a result. In an attempt to regain visual reference, the pilot lowered the collective control and initiated a descent toward the ground. However, before visual contact was regained, the tail rotor contacted power transmission wires.
After the wire strike, the pilot further lowered the collective and reduced engine power in an effort to regain directional control. The helicopter subsequently made a hard impact with the ground in an upright attitude.
Investigation Notes
The investigation did not provide a probable cause for the accident. The report noted the operational conditions: dawn departure, low cloud ceiling, and reduced visibility due to fog. No information was given regarding injuries, fatalities, or damage extent beyond the hard landing and wire contact.