Incident Details
While returning to the staging area after resupplying firefighters, a helicopter being used by the Division of Forestry struck unmarked power lines. The lines were positioned 85 feet above the valley floor. The poles supporting these lines were obscured by surrounding vegetation and were spaced 224 feet apart.
Background
On the previous day, the helicopter had made numerous trips to and from the staging area, flying at higher altitudes. Neither the pilot nor the ground crews were aware of the existence of the power lines in the area.
Operational Context
The helicopter was engaged in firefighting support operations, specifically re-supplying firefighting personnel. The specific route taken on the day of the incident involved flying at an altitude that brought the aircraft into contact with the unmarked lines.