Chopper hits lines, cuts power in NZ
Electricity is being restored to more than 150 homes near Dargaville after a helicopter touched power lines this morning.
The Robinson 44 helicopter was undergoing agriculture work at around 9am when it touched on the 11,000 volt lines. The chopper has minor damage, but landed comfortably and there are no reports of anyone onboard being injured.
Northpower network services manager Kelvin Whaley says electricity was cut to 166 homes by the fault the helicopter caused on the lines on Paiawa Rd, southeast of Dargaville. He says cellphone coverage is poor so the details are basic, but he is confident everything will be restored by the end of the day.
Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Bill Sommer says the helicopter was carrying out agricultural work. He says the CAA is expecting more information later today.