Sterling City, TX, USA
N4386W
ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II
The pilot reported to local law enforcement that while conducting an aerial application flight, the helicopter impacted power lines. He said that while he had crossed over the power lines multiple times during the application flight; however, the sun was blocked by a cloud and the power line was not visible due to the lack of a reflection off the line. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor mast. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that examined the helicopter on scene, he reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from power lines during an aerial application flight.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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