Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid power lines.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while performing an aerial application flight, he did not see the power lines before descending into the field. The helicopter collided with the power lines and the pilot lost control of the helicopter. The helicopter subsequently impacted terrain and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. A visual examination did not reveal any preaccident failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.