Accident Overview
On April 21, 2016, at approximately 1112 central daylight time, a Bell 47G-2A helicopter, registered as N64702, struck power lines, impacted terrain, and caught fire near Los Fresnos, Texas. The helicopter was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 as an aerial application flight, operated by Hendrickson Flying Service, Inc., of Rochelle, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local flight originated from Weslaco, Texas, at an undetermined time.
Occupant and Damage
The pilot, the sole occupant on board, sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was destroyed by impact and fire.
Operator Account
According to a report submitted by the operator (the pilot was hospitalized with serious injuries and could not be interviewed), the pilot was spraying a cotton field located between two sets of power lines that ran parallel to his flight path. The helicopter struck a third set of power lines that ran perpendicular to the field being sprayed. These power lines were obscured by trees. Following the collision, a ground fire erupted, destroying the helicopter.