Accident Overview
A helicopter engaged in for-hire ride operations during a festival collided with a power line suspended over a lake. The weather at the time was visual meteorological conditions. The power line was positioned at a height approximately equal to that of the surrounding trees.
Witness Accounts
One witness reported hearing the helicopter for about one minute before the crash. During that period, he heard a change in pitch, an increase in revolutions per minute, and then the sound of the impact.
Operational Concerns
According to the operator, no safety briefings were provided to ride passengers, and the helicopter was not shut down during passenger loading and unloading. A previous ride passenger stated that upon arrival on the morning of the accident, there was no designated safe area around the helicopter and no safety briefing. This passenger also noted that the engine was running when the pilot exited the helicopter to secure the passenger's seatbelts.
A written complaint had been lodged regarding the operator, alleging that the helicopter was flown in a "manner contrary to all safety guidelines outlined in the manufacturer's Safety Course and Special Federal Aviation Regulation 73.1." The company owner stated that following that complaint, they no longer offered a "wild" ride.
Inspection Findings
Examination of the helicopter's flight control and propulsion systems revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. However, inspection of the seat belt buckles showed fatigue fractures within the buckle. This issue was later addressed in a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin and a service bulletin issued by the helicopter manufacturer.