Investigation number
199001171
Occurrence date
Location
7 km SSE of Seville
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
None

The crew reconnoitred the proposed landing site from about 300 feet above the ground and sighted four powerlines. The pilot entered a hover at about 200 feet and then descended slowly. The aircraft maintained a very low forward speed and movement to the right to assist visibility, in case there were other wires yet unsighted. At 130 feet above the ground the pilot suddenly saw a single wire which was already between the cabin roof and the underside of the main rotor blades. He attempted to avoid the wire but it was struck by the main rotors. One blade severed the wire which then slashed the top of the tail fin. The pilot carried out a controlled power-on landing. The single wire powerline was old, its metal had dulled and was unlikely to glint in sunlight. The span between poles was 404 metres. The wire was very difficult to see. This accident was not the subject of an on-scene investigation.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Aerospatiale Industries
Model
SA365
Registration
VH-PVK
Serial number
5033
Operation type
Aerial Work
Sector
Helicopter
Departure point
Essendon VIC
Departure time
1155
Destination
Dandenong VIC
Damage
Substantial