Accident Overview
A helicopter operating on a radio traffic watch flight impacted power transmission lines located 194 feet above a river, then descended into the river. The event occurred during a flight conducted under special VFR clearances.
Flight Details
The pilot requested and received a special VFR clearance to depart into adverse weather conditions. Approximately 90 minutes later, the pilot requested another special VFR clearance to land back at the departure airport. No problems were reported by the pilot during the flight. Radar data indicated that the helicopter was traveling between 50 and 60 knots and was about 400 feet above ground level just prior to loss of radar contact.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, low cloud ceilings, an obscured sky, and low visibility prevailed. It was dusk.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions.