Accident Overview
A helicopter involved in an aerial application flight collided with power lines during a weed control operation along a Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad line. The pilot reported seeing the power lines just prior to contact.
Sequence of Events
The pilot stated that the lines first struck the bubble (transparent enclosure) of the helicopter, then traveled over the top of the aircraft and contacted the main rotor shaft. After the collision, the helicopter settled in a level attitude onto the railroad tracks. The accident occurred when the pilot was approximately 2.75 miles into a 3-mile spraying run.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported flying eastbound at an altitude of 15 to 20 feet above the tracks with an airspeed of 43 to 45 miles per hour. He noted that the bubble was clean and the sun was behind him. The pilot saw a power line pole to his left but at a distance; the pole to his right, which he did not see, was nestled in a group of trees.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The helicopter was conducting weed control spraying along the railroad right-of-way. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, or occupants are provided in the source.