Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate visual surveillance of the worksite to see and avoid power transmission wires.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the agricultural application helicopter completed chemical application at one site and then proceeded to a second application site. While setting up to begin application at the second site, the helicopter struck 12KV electrical power transmission wires without the pilot ever seeing them. He landed the helicopter and observed that the rotor pitch change links were damaged. The pilot attributed the accident to improper reconnaissance of the area prior to starting the application.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 30, 2000, at 0615 hours Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206B-3, N207EH, was substantially damaged when the agricultural application helicopter impacted electrical power transmission lines, 5 miles west of Salinas, California. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The helicopter, operated by Helicare Ag, Inc., under 14 CFR Part 137, departed from Salinas about 0550. The pilot reported that, after departure from the airport, he completed chemical application at one site and then proceeded to a second application site. While setting up to begin application at the second site, the helicopter struck 12KV power transmission lines without the pilot ever seeing them. The pilot landed the helicopter and observed that the rotor pitch change links were damaged. He attributed the accident to improper reconnaissance of the area prior to starting the application.