EUROCOPTER AS 350 B2 near Madison, MS — 2013-10-20

Probable cause

The helicopter's collision with a black vulture during climb to cruise altitude.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he was climbing the helicopter through 1,300 feet when he felt an "explosion" in his face that knocked his visor up and affected both his visibility and crew communications. The pilot was eventually able to get his visor back down and land the helicopter, where it was discovered that both windshields were blown out, the center post and the cabin shell were damaged, the doors were blown open and onboard medical equipment was missing. On the ground, a crewmember stated that just before the event, he had seen a black bird fly toward the helicopter from above and left, but did not have enough time to call it out. Analysis of onboard residual bird feathers and a photograph of the suspect bird carcass indicated that it was a black vulture, which can weigh up to 4.8 pounds.

NTSB coding

• Birdstrike · Enroute-climb to cruise

Evidence available

• Photos
• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Smithsonian Bird Analysisother
• Photo 1 - Helicopter Damage (Courtesy of Operator)photos
• Photo 2 - Helicopter Damage (Courtesy of Operator)photos
• Photo 3 - Suspect Bird (Courtesy of Operator)photos

Related mishaps

• PIPER PA-28-181

  2026-03-06 · Chuluota, FL

• BOEING 737

  2023-12-19 · St. Louis, MO

• CESSNA 550

  2016-12-05 · Port Aransas, TX

• CESSNA 525

  2015-11-06 · Monroeville, AL

• DEHAVILLAND DHC 6 TWIN OTTER

  2014-08-23 · Pepperell, MA

• CESSNA 525A

  2013-10-12 · Lincoln, NE