At about 0830 Pacific time, the experimental helicopter collided with high tension wires and crashed, killing the commercial pilot and two passengers. The helicopter was destroyed by impact forces and the post-crash fire. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness flying behind the accident aircraft in another helicopter watched the PV-18 lift off from the airport and head southbound. He said he saw the helicopter flying southbound but that it stopped climbing and stayed low to the ground. He saw the power lines ahead and tried to warn the accident pilot via radio but received no reply. He saw the helicopter hit the power lines, and then go straight down and burst into flames.
