Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while making a normal approach to a dry riverbed on a southwesterly heading, he flew directly into the sun. Moments before impact, he observed wires and attempted an evasive maneuver. The main rotor blades clipped the wires first, followed by the tail rotor as he tried to turn away.
Sequence of Events
After the wire strikes, the pilot flew the helicopter to the ground, making contact in a level attitude. The landing was hard, and the helicopter subsequently rolled over onto its right side.
Wire Configuration
The wires were measured at a height of 39 feet above ground level (AGL) and spanned approximately 1,200 feet in length between poles or other markings.
Environmental Conditions
Sun and moon position data for the time of the accident showed the sun was 4.6 degrees above the horizon with an azimuth of 252 degrees. Official sunset that evening occurred at 1808 hours.