Helicopter cuts power line

Helicopter cuts power line

MUARA TEWEH, Central Kalimantan: A helicopter struck a power line
in North Barito regency, and has been transported by land to the
East Kalimantan capital of Balikpapan for repairs.

Handoko, an official at Beringin Muara Teweh airport, said on
Friday that the helicopter was transported by truck belonging to
local police.

The helicopter, belonging to PT Asconusa Air Transport, was
piloted by a U.K. national and carried four passengers when the
accident occurred. It took off on Wednesday from Barut regency,
Central Kalimantan, rented by the National Survey and Mapping
Agency (Bakorsurtanal) to conduct an aerial survey. At around 3
p.m. as it was flying in the area, one of its propellers suddenly
struck a power line and was grounded.

No fatalities were reported in the incident, and the
helicopter landed safely. Part of the propeller was damaged and
the power line was severed, causing a blackout in eight
subdistricts in North Barito regency.

The area was still blacked out on Saturday. -- Antara