What happened
On August 11, 2014, an Agusta Bell 206-B helicopter, registration EC-JFP, was performing agricultural spraying operations over rice fields in the municipality of Cullera, Valencia. The aircraft, operated by Rotorsun, was conducting low-altitude maneuvers to locate a specific plot of land for fumigation.
While increasing altitude and maneuvering, the pilot focused on checking the onboard GPS equipment to identify the correct parcel. During this period, the aircraft struck a medium-voltage electrical line. The impact severed all three conductors of the power line, as the aircraft's installed cable cutters functioned as intended. The collision also resulted in an electrical discharge into the airframe.
Despite the impact, the pilot was able to maintain control of the aircraft and successfully returned to the initial takeoff point to land. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the nose, main rotor blades, and transmission area, as well as damage to the cockpit glazing and electrical connectors. The pilot was uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the aircraft's mechanical condition, and the pilot's actions. It was established that the pilot had completed 22 successful flights in the same area earlier that day without incident. The electrical lines were known to the crew and had been accounted for during pre-flight planning.
Investigators analyzed the use of the GPS system, which is essential for navigating the various plots of land in the area. The investigation also reviewed the meteorological conditions, which were favorable, with clear skies and good visibility. The aircraft's maintenance records showed that a 100-hour inspection had been completed just days prior to the incident.