At the conclusion of a mustering operation, the pilot flew to a neighboring property. He made an approach to a line of the houses at the property but no-one came out to meet the helicopter. He then decided to hover-taxy to a shed some 90 metres away and land. Whilst taxying the helicopter at about 10 knots, the pilot suddenly noticed a three phase power line immediately in front of him, angled at about 30` to his track. He attempted to avoid a collision by initiating a back-up but the mainrotor mast and tailrotor became entangled in the three wires. The bubble was smashed by a flailing wire as the helicopter descended out of control. The ensuing landing was heavy, resulting in a collapsed left skid gear. The helicopter remained substantially upright. The pilot later said that the power poles supporting the span were obscured by trees.
