BYRON, CA, USA
N61PC
Hiller H-12E
The pilot collided with wires and impacted terrain while maneuvering during a morning aerial application flight. The pilot indicated that the accident could have been prevented had he performed a better reconnaissance of the area, avoided distractions, and approached the wires with the sun at his back.
On February 21, 2000, about 0830 hours Pacific standard time, a Hiller H-12E, N61PC, operated by Aerial Control, Brentwood, California, collided with wires while maneuvering during an aerial application flight near Byron, California. Thereafter, the helicopter impacted underlying terrain and was substantially damaged. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 137, and it originated from an open field about 0800. In the pilot's completed aircraft accident report, he indicated that the accident could have been prevented had he performed a better reconnaissance, avoided distractions, and approached the wires with the sun at his back.
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while maneuvering in proximity to wires. A contributing factor was the sun glare, which reduced the wire's conspicuity.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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