On January 2, 1993, a Hughes 269C (registration N7462F) operated by Stanley L. Van Vleck was involved in an aviation accident near Folsom, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT FAILING TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT RESULTING IN THE HELICOPTER COLLIDING WITH ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION WIRES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter struck two transmission wires about 80 feet above ground during a cattle herding operation in overcast conditions, then descended uncontrolled to the ground.
Accident Summary
A helicopter collided with two electrical transmission wires during a cattle herding operation and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot and a passenger had departed from a private heliport located at the pilot's house for the airborne herding. The pilot first dropped off the passenger and then attempted to divert cattle using the helicopter.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he had flown in the area for approximately 24 years and was familiar with the transmission wires. On the day of the accident, both the pilot and a witness described the sky as overcast, causing the wires to blend into the gray background. The pilot stated that he ascended to an altitude above the wires to assess how to descend and maneuver to intercept a stray cow.
Sequence of Events
During the descent, the pilot said he became "extremely surprised to see wires about 40 feet dead ahead." The helicopter struck two of the transmission wires at an altitude of about 80 feet above ground. Following the wire strike, the helicopter entered an uncontrolled descent until it collided with the ground.