Incident Overview
A helicopter engaged in agricultural spraying operations was working the end rows of a field when it approached a set of wires. The pilot reported seeing the wires at the last moment and attempted to fly under them. The helicopter successfully passed below a set of power lines but struck a telephone line.
Sequence of Events
After striking the telephone line, the pilot initiated a landing. However, the wire became fouled in the helicopter's controls, making control difficult. The pilot reported that the helicopter touched down too fast, bounced twice, and then rolled over.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the helicopter was spraying the end rows of a field. The wires were not observed until the last second, prompting an attempt to go underneath. While the helicopter cleared the power lines, it impacted the telephone line. This line then became entangled in the control mechanisms, impairing the pilot's ability to maintain proper control during the subsequent landing attempt.
The pilot stated that the touchdown was faster than intended, resulting in two bounces before the helicopter rolled onto its side.