What happened
While operating in cruise flight at 400 feet AGL, the pilot was searching for a bridge crossing a river. During this period, the helicopter collided with an overhead ground wire located between Alabama Power structures 51 and 52 near Black Water Creek. The pilot reported that he was not familiar with the area and failed to maintain a visual lookout.
Following the collision, the pilot maintained control of the aircraft and flew it to his residence, where he performed a landing. After the landing, an employee met the pilot at his home and transported him to a local hospital. The pilot sustained injuries during the strike that resulted in the amputation of his right middle finger. The passenger was not injured.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the nose, windscreen, lower chin bubble, overhead window, left door post, and cabin roof. Prior to the in-flight collision with the power lines, the pilot stated that the helicopter experienced no mechanical problems.