Accident Overview
A helicopter conducting an aerial application flight collided with a set of north-south aligned power lines at the midpoint between two poles. After impact, the helicopter came to rest on its side in an onion field approximately 400 feet east of the wire strike location.
Physical Evidence
Authorities reported that power lines were found wrapped around the helicopter's tail rotor assembly. The affected power lines and their supporting poles were positioned directly between fields of contrasting colors.
Environmental Context
According to an FAA inspector, the helicopter approached the dark green onion field to be sprayed from the east, flying over a freshly plowed field that exhibited a light tan or sandy shade. The inspector noted that the poles and power lines struck by the helicopter lay directly between the light-colored plowed field and the dark-colored crop field.
Administrative Details
A completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 was not received from the pilot or operator of the helicopter. The investigation did not provide any further information regarding the helicopter's make, model, registration, or the specific circumstances leading to the wire strike.