Incident Overview
A helicopter on a local flight intended for a certified flight instructor (CFI) to demonstrate the newly acquired aircraft to its owner collided with power lines during the landing approach. The accident resulted in a hard landing that led to the separation of the tail boom.
Pilot Report
According to the CFI, a vibration was detected during the flight, which he described as 'somewhat common' for the helicopter's wooden main rotor blades. He reported that this vibration may have distracted him, causing him to overlook the presence of power lines in the approach path to the landing area.
Accident Sequence
The helicopter was at an altitude of approximately 60 feet above ground level (AGL) when its mast made contact with the wires. Following the collision, control of the aircraft was lost. During the subsequent hard landing, the main rotor blades flexed downward and struck the tail boom, severing it from the fuselage.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage, specifically the tail boom was cut off by the main rotor blades during the hard landing. The extent of other damage was not specified in the initial report.