Pilot Debrief

LEONARDO SPA AW169 near Austin, TX — 2021-11-22

Final reportCEN22LA057
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Date
2021-11-22
Location
Austin, TX, USA
Airport
TE94
Aircraft
LEONARDO SPA AW169
Registration
N307TC
Category
Helicopter
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The helicopter’s impact with a bird during cruise flight.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the medical helicopter reported that, while transporting a patient, the medical crewmember seated in the front left seat identified the bird and announced its presence to the pilot. The pilot attempted to turn and descend to avoid impact, but the bird struck the helicopter’s windshield, windshield support beam, and greenhouse window, which resulted in substantial damage to the windshield support beam. The pilot diverted the helicopter to a nearby helipad and landed without further incident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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