Accident Details
On September 29, 2013, at approximately 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Texas Helicopter Corp OH-13/M74, registration N38113, was substantially damaged when it struck power transmission wires and impacted the ground near Santa Maria, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The helicopter was operated by R & S Crop Dusters, Inc., under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight, which had originated from a nearby staging area about 10 minutes before the accident. No flight plan had been filed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that before beginning his first application run, he flew overhead scouting the designated field for hazards and noted the power line. On his first pass, he experienced a "momentary lapse" and flew through the wires. The largest wire shattered the cabin's main Plexiglass bubble and struck the main rotor mast. Both push-pull flight control tubes were compromised just above the swashplate. The helicopter then fell to the ground and came to rest upright on its landing skids.
Damage and Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.