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