Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from wires during an agricultural application flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, during a low-level agricultural application pass and shortly after he leveled off the helicopter from a turn, the helicopter struck wires and then impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the main and tail rotor systems. The operator 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 an aerial application low pass, shortly after he leveled off the helicopter from a turn, the helicopter struck wires, and impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, main and tail rotor systems. The operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.