On August 25, 2002, an Enstrom 280C (registration N51689) was involved in an aviation accident near Coopersville, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the transmission wires. Additional factors were the transmission wires and the sunglare. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A helicopter sustained substantial damage after striking transmission wires during cruise flight and impacting into a river. The passenger reported sun glare and the helicopter was running well before the accident.
Accident Details
A helicopter was in cruise flight over a river when it struck a transmission wire and subsequently impacted the river, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The passenger reported that the helicopter was flying on a westerly heading over the river and that the sun was in their eyes. She stated that the helicopter was "running great" prior to the collision with the transmission wires.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses observed the helicopter flying approximately 70 feet above the river. The two transmission wires involved were reported to be about 70 feet in height. The helicopter struck these wires before impacting the river.
Conclusions
The source provides no stated cause for the accident. The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or operator, nor did it mention any injuries or fatalities.