Accident Robinson R22 Alpha N8497Y, Saturday 18 September 1999

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Date:	Saturday 18 September 1999
Time:	13:30 LT
Type:	Robinson R22 Alpha
Owner/operator:	Hunts Hashknife Helicopters
Registration:	N8497Y
MSN:	0408
Total airframe hrs:	5115 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-B2C
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Tucumcari, NM - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Executive
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter collided with powerlines. The pilot said he did not see the powerlines because they blended in with the brush and background terrain.

Probable Cause: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout. A factor was a reduced visual detection due to background vegetation and terrain.

Accident investigation: