Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual lookout while conducting an aerial application maneuver. A factor was the transmission line.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, while spraying the edge of a lake, he lost visual contact with the nearby power line, and was unable to reacquire visual contact. The helicopter struck the power line as the pilot maneuvered the helicopter for the spray operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 21, 2002, at 1336 central daylight time, a Bell 47G helicopter, N72MU, registered to Aerial Application Technologies LLC, and operated by the commercial pilot, collided with a power line while conducting an aerial application flight near the edge of a lake in Marion, Alabama. The aerial application flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 137, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot was not injured, and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Marion, Alabama, at 1300, on May 21, 2002. According to the pilot, while spraying the edge of a lake, he lost visual contact with the nearby power line, and was unable to reacquire visual contact. The helicopter struck the power line as the pilot maneuvered the helicopter for the spray operation. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the helicopter during the flight maneuver.