Power has been restored to more than 1,000 homes in Aberdeenshire after a helicopter carrying mineral monitoring equipment struck an electricity pylon.
An investigation has been launched into the incident near Balmeadie after the electromagnetic loop clattered against the structure while scanning the ground for deposits on Saturday morning.
It caused the electricity supply to homes in the local area to be temporarily knocked out, though it was returned by 3pm.
Aberdeen Minerals Limited said it was aware of the incident and had since launched a probe.
No one is understood to have been injured.
A spokesman said: “Reports that this was a result of the geophysical array colliding with a power line are being investigated by the company and its contractors.
“We can confirm that the helicopter is safely on the ground. Flight operations have been suspended, pending liaison with the relevant authorities.”
The antenna, which is dragged below the helicopter, is often used to detect the extent of mineral deposits, such as copper, in the earth.
It is thought 1,004 homes were affected by the incident.
A spokesman for SSEN Distribution said: “We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank our customers for their patience as our engineers worked to restore power as quickly as possible.”
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