Accident Sequence
An agricultural pilot had finished loading and was returning to the truck for a final load. While passing under a powerline, he heard a loud bang or pop, and the helicopter yawed to the right. He then heard wheat striking the skid booms before the helicopter impacted hard on the toes of the skids.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot's seat belt failed during the impact, and he was thrown through the front of the helicopter. He reported receiving minor injuries. The helicopter was demolished by the impact and a subsequent post-impact fire.
Investigation
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigators examined the wreckage. Due to damage from the impact, fire, and movement of the wreckage, they were unable to identify a component failure that might have caused the accident. The first skid marks were found starting directly under the powerlines, but the powerlines themselves were not damaged.