What happened
The pilot was conducting an agricultural operation, specifically spraying a rice field, during the early morning hours. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was flying directly into the rising sun. The pilot reported that intense sun glare significantly impaired visibility, preventing him from seeing overhead power lines and their supporting poles.
Following the collision with the infrastructure, the pilot experienced difficulties controlling the helicopter. Despite these control issues, he attempted to execute a run-on landing on the ground nearby. During the landing sequence, the helicopter's skids dug into the soft soil, causing the aircraft to lose stability and subsequently nosed over.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the operational circumstances surrounding the collision. Evidence indicated that the pilot was engaged in low-altitude agricultural work. The primary mechanical factor identified was the loss of control following the impact with the power lines, which led to the final rest position of the aircraft.