Incident Overview
A 160-hour student pilot was flying a helicopter westbound at low altitude when it struck four electrical transmission lines. The pilot reported on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 that he was heading west into the afternoon sun and did not see the power lines, which were located along a gravel road with a tree line running north-south.
Sequence of Events
After contacting the wires, the helicopter impacted the ground approximately 140 feet from the point of initial wire contact. It then rolled and came to rest about 300 feet from the initial point of contact. The pilot unfastened his seat belt and egressed without difficulty. The passenger experienced difficulty unfastening their seat belt, prompting the pilot to return to the helicopter to assist the trapped passenger.
Weather Conditions
Weather at the time of the accident was reported as scattered clouds at 5,500 feet, wind from 130 degrees at 5 knots, temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.05 inches of Mercury.
Aircraft Damage
The helicopter sustained damage from the impact and subsequent roll. No other details are available from the source.