Accident Details
A commercial pilot was performing an agricultural application flight. After completing two reconnaissance passes and an orbit of the intended spray field, the pilot did not observe any power lines that posed a hazard. While maneuvering at a low altitude during a turn between passes, the helicopter struck a wire that the pilot had not seen.
Following the wire strike, the helicopter's windscreen failed and the aircraft experienced violent shaking. The pilot initiated an autorotation to the field. During the landing flare, the helicopter impacted terrain and came to rest on its right side.
Damage Assessment
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, tail boom, and main rotor blades. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter prior to or during the accident sequence.
Reporting
The accident was reported to the National Transportation Safety Board on September 11, 2017.