NTSB Factual Report

On September 29, 2013, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Texas Helicopter Corp OH-13/M74, N38113, was substantially damaged when it struck power transmission wires and impacted the ground near Santa Maria, California. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. R & S Crop Dusters, Inc., was operating the helicopter under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local aerial application flight, which had originated from a nearby staging area approximately 10 minutes before the accident. A flight plan had not been filed.

The pilot reported that before he began his first application run, he flew overhead scouting the designated field for hazards and noted the power line. On his first pass, he had a "momentary lapse" and flew through the wires. The biggest wire shattered the cabin's main Plexiglass bubble and struck the main rotor mast. Both push-pull flight control tubes were compromised just above the swashplate. The helicopter fell to the ground and came to rest upright on its landing skids.

The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate monitoring of the environment and failure to maintain clearance from transmission wires during a low-altitude maneuver.