GUADALUPE, CA, USA
N4798R
BELL 47G-5
THE PILOT OF A HELICOPTER CROP DUSTER COLLIDED WITH A WOODEN POWER POLE DURING AERIAL APPLICATION IN VISUAL METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF THE OBSTACLE BEFORE THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS ON THE SIXTH SWATH RUN ON A SOUTHEASTERLY DIRECTION HEADING DIRECTLY INTO THE RISING SUN ON THE HORIZON. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIRCRAFT.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE ALLOWING THE AIRCRAFT TO COLLIDE WITH A WOODEN POWER POLE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SUNGLARE WHICH INHIBITED THE PILOT'S VISION.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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