Probable cause
The pilot's inability to see and avoid the power lines because of trees obscuring his view.
NTSB analysis
According to the operator, the commercial pilot of the helicopter was performing an aerial application flight when the helicopter struck a set of power lines that ran perpendicular to the field being sprayed. The operator stated that the lines were obscured due to trees.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA161 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 21, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Los Fresnos, Texas
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell 47G-2A
- N-number
- N64702
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1962
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Operating rule
- Part 137 (agricultural)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial application
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.