Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting aerial application operations struck a power line. The pilot was searching for a cut-off marker, described as a balloon, when he glanced upward and noticed the wires. He realized that the collision was unavoidable and applied deceleration before impact. The aircraft then descended and became lodged in a wooded area, sustaining damage.
Pilot Statement
The pilot recounted that he was focused on locating the cut-off balloon marker. Upon looking up, he saw the power lines, but there was insufficient time to maneuver away. He attempted to reduce airspeed prior to the impact.
Investigation
No equipment malfunction occurred prior to the accident. The helicopter collided with a power line during low-level flight typical of aerial application operations.
Aftermath
After striking the wires, the helicopter descended and lodged in trees. The aircraft sustained damage as a result of the impact and subsequent descent.