Schweizer 269C | N262LH

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot attempted low level night flight in the accident helicopter, and impacted high tension power lines that were perpendicular to his flight path. The crash crash occurred ten minutes before the start of civil twilight.

The pilot’s decision to fly at low altitude, at night, and over water, which resulted in the helicopter’s collision with power lines.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all rotor wing aircraft avoid night flight where possible, be especially vigilant for terrain obstructions, and choose cruising altitudes above the highest obstacle for that area.