What happened
On November 26, 2014, at approximately 23:21 CST, an MD 90LS helicopter, registration N902LC, was performing an air medical flight near Highlandville, Missouri. The aircraft, operated by Air Methods Corporation, was attempting an off-airport landing in a field to pick up a patient. The flight had originated from the Cox Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri.
During the approach, the pilot completed two orbits of the landing site and selected a large field. Using search and landing lights, the pilot initially identified a utility pole at the southeast corner of the field with wires extending north. As the helicopter descended to approximately 20 feet above the ground, the pilot noticed a second set of power lines running parallel to the flight path via peripheral vision while using night vision goggles. In an attempt to maneuver the aircraft to the left to avoid the wires, the main rotor blades struck one of the lines. The pilot maintained control of the aircraft and landed safely. The accident resulted in one minor injury to the pilot, while the two medical crew members were not injured.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the N902LC revealed that three of the main rotor blades sustained substantial damage, while the remaining two blades suffered minor damage. Debris from the struck power line broke the window of the pilot's door. Prior to the impact, the pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions.