Accident Summary
During a takeoff from a field at a farm, a helicopter pilot attempted to clear a driveway when the left skid toe became caught on the top of a wire fence. The pilot applied aft cyclic in an effort to climb, but the helicopter rolled to the left and struck the ground. The main rotor, tail rotor, and airframe sustained substantial damage.
Examination and Pilot Experience
A subsequent examination of the helicopter found no preimpact mechanical malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation. The pilot reported approximately 3,900 hours of total flight experience in rotorcraft, with 160 hours in the same make and model as the accident helicopter. The pilot remarked that the accident could have been prevented if he had conducted a walk-around of the takeoff area to better evaluate potential hazards.
Conclusions
The accident sequence began when the left landing skid snagged on the fence, leading to loss of control during the attempted climb. The helicopter's substantial damage was confined to the rotor system and airframe.