A shocking helicopter crash in Hancock County, Kentucky, left one pilot with a broken leg and triggered widespread power outages for local residents. The incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, when a single-passenger agricultural helicopter collided with power lines while spraying crops near Weber, between Patesville and Pellville.
According to officials from the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency, the crash happened around 10:45 a.m. A nearby resident witnessed the crop duster helicopter strike overhead power lines before crashing into a field. The aircraft came to rest on its passenger side, and the pilot managed to crawl out of the wreckage with a broken leg.
Emergency personnel arrived promptly at the scene. The pilot, who had been applying pesticides to local fields, was transported to a hospital in Owensboro.
FAA and NTSB Investigation Underway
Local authorities have notified both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which are expected to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
Preliminary information suggests the helicopter struck live power lines while maneuvering at a low altitude during pesticide application, a common but risky aspect of agricultural aviation.
Legal Implications and Potential Liability
When an agricultural helicopter crashes, multiple parties may be legally responsible depending on the circumstances:
- Pilot or Operator: If the pilot was negligent in maintaining safe flight paths, failed to monitor altitude, or ignored standard procedures for pesticide application near power lines.
- Aircraft Owner or Operator: For inadequate maintenance, poor training, or failure to adhere to aviation safety protocols.
- Utility Company: If the power lines were not properly marked, maintained, or documented on aviation charts, creating a hazard for low-flying agricultural aircraft.
- Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure or design flaw contributed to the crash.
Under federal aviation and personal injury law, injured parties—including the pilot—may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering if negligence or equipment failure played a role in the incident.
Next Steps for Injured Aviation Workers
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation incident while working in crop dusting or other aerial applications, it is important to:
- Obtain a copy of the accident report from local authorities
- Preserve evidence such as video footage, maintenance records, and pilot logs
- Avoid signing insurance documents or waivers before consulting legal counsel
- Speak with an aviation accident lawyer experienced in handling helicopter crashes and agricultural flight risks
Contact the Aviation Injury Lawyers at Spagnoletti Law Firm
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we represent pilots, passengers, and families affected by aviation accidents across the United States. Our team understands the complex safety standards governing agricultural helicopters and can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve after a crash.
📞 Call our helicopter crash lawyers today at 713-804-9306 for a free consultation.
Whether due to power line hazards, mechanical failures, or human error, we are committed to investigating every angle and holding negligent parties accountable.