Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during a low level aerial application.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, while performing an aerial application on a field, the helicopter struck a set of power lines that he was previously aware of and had been working around during the flight. Following the impact with wires, he initiated a forced landing to a field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades, transmission, tail rotor drive shaft, and tail boom. The pilot reported there were no mechanical failures or anomalies with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.