Fire destroys helicopter at Cranland Airport in Hanson

HANSON – An experimental helicopter was destroyed by fire on the ground at Cranland Airport on Friday morning, a fire official said.

In a statement, Deputy Fire Chief Robbie O'Brien said the pilot, who was not identified, reported at about 7:38 a.m. that the helicopter was on fire at the airport, which is at 777 Monponsett St.

When firefighters arrived, the helicopter was engulfed in flames.

O'Brien said the pilot reported he smelled gas when he started the engine and got out of the helicopter as the fire broke out.

Two firefighters spray an experimental helicopter that caught fire at Cranland Airport in Hanson on Friday morning.
Two firefighters spray an experimental helicopter that caught fire at Cranland Airport in Hanson on Friday morning.

Firefighters spent about an hour putting out the fire and making the area safe. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hanson Fire Department.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Fire destroys experimental helicopter at Cranland Airport in Hanson