Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported that the aircraft was maneuvering at low altitude during an agricultural application flight when it encountered power lines. The pilot stated that while in a left turn, he did not see the power line wires until they were very close. In response, he increased the collective to climb and banked right in an attempt to avoid a collision.
Sequence of Events
Despite the evasive maneuver, the tail rotor struck the power line wires. Following the impact, the helicopter lost tail rotor effectiveness. The pilot then initiated an autorotation and the helicopter landed. However, during the landing, the tailboom impacted trees.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail rotor gear box, the tail rotor blades, and the vertical stabilizer.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.