Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during a high reconnaissance of a field intended for agricultural application, he saw power lines to the north with lines running northwest to southeast. He then started the application on the southwest corner of the field, and while flying west to east, he saw another set of power lines crossing the southeastern corner of the field. About 14 ft above the ground, the main rotor blades impacted the lines, after which the helicopter pitched aft and then impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during a high reconnaissance of a field intended for aerial application, he saw power lines to the north, with wires running northwest to southeast. He then started the application on the southwest corner of the field, and while flying west to east, he saw another set of wires crossing the southeastern corner of the field. About 14 feet above the ground, the main rotor blades impacted the wire, the helicopter pitched aft, then broke free of the wires and impacted the ground. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.