On Fri, 23 Sep 2011 21:49:26 -0400, Glen Wattman wrote:

In this photo, the top and bottom "wire cutter" blades are
nicely visible. Their function is to cut any power lines
that the helicopter may accidentally fly through.

Does anyone have any figures on how many such accidents
occur in the US on a yearly basis?

Is paying the cost of cut power lines part of the owner's
insurance package?