The Civil Aviation Authority investigates helicopter accidents related to power lines

Two helicopter crashes occurred this week after they struck power lines during spraying operations, says the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Both crashes, one near Te Kuiti and the other in Mahia, involved Robinson R44 helicopters that were conducting agricultural fumigation operations.

The first accident happened Tuesday morning near Te Anga, west of Te Kuiti.

The helicopter’s main rotor blade struck the power supply cables and then landed in a clearing.

The pilot was unhurt. The electricity supply was interrupted in some 18 houses.

The second accident occurred on Wednesday shortly after 6 a.m., in which another Robinson R44 helicopter carried out fumigation operations in the Mahia Peninsula.

The helicopter’s skid hit cables and hit the ground hard.

The pilot, a 43-year-old man, was the only person aboard the helicopter when it crashed.

He received moderate injuries and was taken to hospital for evaluation.

The CAA is investigating both accidents with the cooperation of the two operators involved.

“Any aircraft flying at low levels is at risk of a cable strike,” the CAA said.

“Agricultural aircraft, whether fixed wing or helicopter, are especially susceptible due to the nature of the work they do.

“Wire strikes can be prevented, but only with a well-planned safety program to identify hazards and implement mitigations.”

On Tuesday there was also a fatal helicopter crash near Kaikōura, which claimed the lives of Andrew Hamish Davidson, 60, and his wife Lin Chen, 39.

Two of her children were injured, including her son Angus, along with a third child.