Accident Overview
During an agricultural application flight over a cantaloupe field, a helicopter sustained substantial damage after its main rotor blades struck a set of wooden power poles at the 20-foot level. The impact occurred as the pilot was conducting a pass along the field border.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that they observed bee boxes adjacent to power poles during the final pass along the field border and subsequently shut off the spray applicator. After passing the boxes, the pilot turned the applicator back on. The next recollection was of lying upside down in the field. The pilot stated that they had flown an application flight over the same field a week prior and were aware of the location of the power poles.
Aircraft Damage
Examination of the helicopter at the accident site revealed that the main rotor blades struck the power poles, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor blades and fuselage structure.
Mechanical Status
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.