Aviation Accident Summary CHI90DEC04

STOCKBRIDGE, MI, USA

Aircraft #1

N3656F

BELL 47 D-1

Analysis

THE AGRICULTURAL HEILCOPTER HAD JUST TAKEN OFF ON AN EARLY MORNING RE-POSITIONING FLIGHT WHEN THE CANOPY BECAME COMPLETELY FOGGED OVER. BEFORE THE PILOT COULD RE-ORIENT HIMSELF BY LOOKING OUT THE SIDE OPENING, THE HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH A POWER POLE AND WIRES. THE COLLISION CAUSED THE FUEL TANK TO RUPTURE AND SPRAYED AVIATION FUEL ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND EXHAUST PIPES. THE ENSUING FIRE DESTROYED THE HELICOPTER.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE RESTRICTED VISUAL LOOKOUT WHICH RESULTED FROM THE CANOPY FOGGING UP.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports