What happened
Prior to the flight, the student helicopter pilot received a weather briefing that forecasted marginal conditions. Although instructed not to proceed if weather would be a factor, the pilot elected to fly. The flight was originally planned for a route to Blythe; however, after takeoff, the pilot diverted to Pauma Valley and made an unauthorized stop.
During this stop, a passenger boarded the helicopter. Upon departing again, the helicopter collided with a power line while flying approximately 300 feet above an interstate highway. The impact caused the aircraft to crash to the ground, resulting in extensive damage. Witnesses at the scene reported low clouds without fog, while another witness noted that mist was falling.
At a location approximately 14 miles southwest of Oceanside, weather conditions included a 1,000-foot overcast, partially obscured visibility of 5 miles, and winds from 160 degrees at 4 knots. The pilot held a single-engine airplane rating and was in the process of receiving flight instruction for helicopters.