Event Description
On 24 June 2018, at approximately 12:30 local time, an Elicop Anfibio helicopter, registration I-C435, was taking off from a parking area near the Baells Reservoir in the municipality of Cercs, Barcelona. During the initial climb, the helicopter struck the cables of a medium-voltage power line (LMT 25kV OLVAN) located at kilometer point 104 of the C-26 road. The impact did not sever the cables, but two cables detached from their supports and fell onto the roadway. The helicopter continued its flight and landed normally at the heliport of the Montmeló racing circuit (Barcelona). The pilot reported that he did not notice the impact and felt no vibrations during the flight.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, aged 40, held a private pilot license (PPL(A)) issued by the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) on 10 July 2017, valid until 31 July 2019, and an ultralight pilot license (TULM) for multi-axis fixed-wing (MAF) issued on 9 August 2017. The aircraft was a privately owned Elicop Anfibio helicopter, registration I-C435. The pilot was the sole occupant and was uninjured. The helicopter sustained minor damage.
Flight Sequence
According to the pilot's account, he had departed from the Montmeló heliport at approximately 09:00 hours, flying along the coast and over Montseny mountain, then turning over Vic. During the flight, a low oil pressure warning light illuminated twice. He landed at a parking area near the Baells Reservoir, which he knew well. He waited for the oil to cool and checked the level, finding about 4 liters when the engine required 5.5 liters. After about half an hour, he decided to return to Montmeló rather than proceed to La Seu d'Urgell, considering it easier to find emergency landing sites. He took off with a tailwind because the departure path was clearer. Immediately after takeoff, he made a steep right turn to use the wind for climb, and during this maneuver, the main rotor blades struck the power line cables.
Damage
The power line, a 25 kV line, had two parallel cables detached from their anchor points and required replacement. The helicopter had minor damage; no further details were provided in the report.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the cause of the incident was a total lack of flight planning, which led to the execution of a very tight turn in a confined area with poor visibility.