Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an agricultural application flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during high reconnaissance of a field intended for agricultural application, he saw power lines surrounding the field. He started the application southbound from the northwest section, and after travelling about 300 yards and while about 15 ft above ground level, the helicopter struck a power line, after which the pilot was able to land the helicopter on an adjacent field without further incident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade. 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 agricultural application, he saw power lines surrounding the field. He started the application southbound from the northwest section and after travelling about 300 yards, about 15 ft above the ground, the helicopter struck a power line, after which he was able to land the helicopter on to an adjacent field without further incident. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blade. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.