Accident Details
According to the pilot's report, he was flying a low reconnaissance flight in preparation for helicopter aerial application operations. During this low-level flight, the helicopter came into contact with a power line, which became caught on the left skid. The pilot further reported that, while the line was under tension, a section of the power line snapped and struck the main rotor system, resulting in a loss of control. Subsequently, the pilot performed an emergency autorotation to a wheat field. The landing was hard, and the main rotor made contact with the tail boom, leading to the tail boom's separation from the fuselage.
Aircraft Damage
The fuselage and the tail boom sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Safety Recommendation
As a safety recommendation, the pilot noted that a more thorough high reconnaissance flight conducted prior to the low reconnaissance flight would have decreased the probability of this accident occurring.