Incident Overview
On 15 March 2007 at approximately 1400Z, a Robinson R44 helicopter (registration ZS-RFR) was involved in an incident with high-tension power lines during a low-level search flight. The helicopter was operating commercially, with a pilot holding 810 total flying hours, including 105 hours on type. The pilot was 30 years old and held a valid pilot-in-command licence.
Flight Details
The flight departed from Bela Bela Aerodrome (FAWA) with the intention of landing at Thabazimbi Aerodrome (FATI). The purpose was to recover a stolen safe and a rifle, which had been dumped along the road between the two aerodromes. The pilot stated that the mission required flying at approximately 15 feet above ground level (AGL) to spot the objects in tall grass.
Incident Sequence
At a point approximately 60 kilometres west of Bela Bela, the pilot noticed high ground to his right in the direction of flight. In an attempt to avoid sloping ground, he elected to cross the road to the south while continuing westward. At that moment, he observed three power lines spanning across the road at 15 feet AGL, at eye height. To avoid a collision, the pilot rapidly lowered the collective to fly under the wires. This action caused the main rotor blades to strike the power lines, resulting in arcing on one blade. A slight vibration was felt through the fuselage, which dissipated shortly before a controlled hover and landing were initiated. The helicopter was landed safely, and the pilot inspected the blades, finding no visible damage.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time was CAVOK with wind from 315 degrees at 10 knots, temperature 30°C, and broken clouds at 5,000 feet AGL.
Maintenance and Occupants
The last mandatory periodical inspection (MPI) was performed on 14 December 2006 at 3,321.8 flying hours. The helicopter had accumulated an additional 71.5 flying hours since that inspection. There were two persons on board (pilot and passenger). No injuries were sustained.
Probable Cause
The helicopter impacted high-tension wires during a search operation. A contributory factor was the pilot's failure to maintain a lookout for hazards.