Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout during takeoff, and his inadequate reconnoiter of the area prior to takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, he initially overflew the field, and looked for power lines and transmission poles. He noticed one pole, but his attention was diverted, and didn't notice any other poles or power lines. The pilot made his approach, brought the helicopter into a hover, and hovered for about 1 minute. The pilot then looked for obstacles in his departure path, but didn't see any. He initiated the takeoff, and during the departure, the helicopter struck a power line. The pilot then performed an autorotation to the ground.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 28, 2001, about 1400 Eastern Daylight Time, a Hughes 269C, N9660F, was substantially damaged when it struck a power line while taking off from a field in Fairfield, Kentucky. The certificated private pilot was not injured, and his passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed for the local flight, which originated at Samuels Field (BRY), Bardstown, Kentucky. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he initially overflew the field, and looked for power lines and transmission poles. He noticed one pole, but his attention was diverted, and didn't notice any other poles or power lines. The pilot made his approach, brought the helicopter into a hover, and hovered for about 1 minute. The pilot then looked for obstacles in his departure path, but didn't see any. He initiated the takeoff, and during the departure, the helicopter struck a power line. The pilot then performed an autorotation to the ground.