Accident Overview
A Bell 47G3B1 helicopter crashed into the South Santiam River after contacting power lines while conducting an instructional flight. The helicopter sustained substantial damage.
Circumstances
The flight was part of an instructional session focusing on confined area landings. The instructor pilot (CFI) reported that they had departed one landing area and were flying toward another. The helicopter was traveling down the river at an altitude of about 50 feet above the water, heading into the setting sun.
According to the CFI, he first noticed the power lines when they were approximately 5 feet ahead of the helicopter and was unable to take corrective action. He stated that the wires were unmarked and were hidden by sunglare reflecting off the cockpit canopy, as well as by shadows from trees along the riverbank.
Injuries and Damage
The helicopter struck the power lines, causing it to flip over and fall into the river. The CFI, who held a helicopter instructor rating, sustained serious injuries. The student, a private pilot with an airplane rating receiving helicopter instruction, received minor injuries. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
Probable Cause
The source does not state a probable cause.