Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
In a statement provided by the pilot, during the aerial application flight the helicopter pilot scouted the application area for transmission wires. He noted their locations and began to disperse the applicant. The pilot reported that while flying east the rising sun momentarily disoriented him, resulting in a collision with a transmission wire. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open area. An inspection of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor pitch change links and swash plate. The pilot confirmed that there were no malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
In a statement provided by the commercial pilot, during the aerial application flight, the pilot scouted the application area for transmission wires. He noted their locations and began to disperse the applicant. While flying east, the rising sun momentarily disoriented the pilot resulting in a collision with a transmission wire. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open area. An inspection of the helicopter revealed damage to the main rotor pitch change links and swash plate. The pilot confirmed that there were no malfunctions or anomalies with the helicopter prior to the accident.