RRU - Mecca: Helicopter (Crop duster) Collision with powerpole yesterday

Riverside County  Press Release: Indio Station - Mecca

Type of Incident:	Helicopter Collision
Date/Time Written:	September 20, 2010
Date/Time of Incident:	September 20, 2010 at 2:50 PM
Location of Incident:	90000 Block of Avenue 70, Mecca
Reporting Officer:	Sergeant Anthony Baur
File Number(s):	C102640023

Details:

On September 20, 2010 at about 2:50 PM, deputies responded to a report of a downed helicopter in an agricultural field in the 90000 block of Avenue 70, in Mecca. Riverside County Fire and a Hazardous Materials unit also responded to the scene.

Investigators learned the 62-year-old pilot of North Shore, was flying a small helicopter at a low altitude applying low-grade pesticides to the field when he collided with a utility pole. Low altitude flying is common for helicopters engaged in aerial application formerly referred to as "crop dusting."

The pilot was able to remove himself from the helicopter, which suffered major damage. He was transported to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries and is expected to be released soon.
The scene was determined not to be a risk to public safety as most of the pesticide was previously dispersed on the field prior to the collision.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Investigator Chad Martin at the Riverside County Sheriff's Indio Station at 760-863-8990, or by e-mailing information to indiostation@riversidesheriff.org . 
Source: http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/ind10-0920-1.asp