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NTSB Report

December 30, 2005 · Bell 206L-4 · N1811

Washington, LA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 30, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Washington, LA
Aircraft
Bell 206L-4
Tail Number
N1811
Operator
Southern Helicopters
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DFW06CA048

The 13,355-hour air transport pilot was in cruise flight at approximately 500 feet mean sea level (MSL) at approximately 120 miles per hour. The pilot looked down to scan the helicopter's instruments. As he began to look up, a large buzzard collided with the right windscreen and struck the pilot's face. The impact with the buzzard and the wind coming through the broken windscreen caused the pilot to become temporarily blinded. The pilot reported that he felt the helicopter pitch-up, and as he attempted to regain control of the turbine powered helicopter, blood began to hinder his vision. The pilot elected to execute a running landing into a bean field in his flight path. During the descent, the pilot was forced to use both hands and was unable to clear his vision. The pilot lost sight of the ground and the helicopter impacted on the aft portion of the left landing skid, rolled over and came to rest on its left side in a soybean field. The pilot reported having accumulated approximately 1,900-hours in the same make and model, with about 120 hours in the preceding 90 days.

NTSB Probable Cause

The in-flight collision with a bird and the pilot's physical impairment (vision), directional control was not possible.

Full Narrative

The 13,355-hour air transport pilot was in cruise flight at approximately 500 feet mean sea level (MSL) at approximately 120 miles per hour. The pilot looked down to scan the helicopter's instruments. As he began to look up, a large buzzard collided with the right windscreen and struck the pilot's face. The impact with the buzzard and the wind coming through the broken windscreen caused the pilot to become temporarily blinded. The pilot reported that he felt the helicopter pitch-up, and as he attempted to regain control of the turbine powered helicopter, blood began to hinder his vision. The pilot elected to execute a running landing into a bean field in his flight path. During the descent, the pilot was forced to use both hands and was unable to clear his vision. The pilot lost sight of the ground and the helicopter impacted on the aft portion of the left landing skid, rolled over and came to rest on its left side in a soybean field. The pilot reported having accumulated approximately 1,900-hours in the same make and model, with about 120 hours in the preceding 90 days.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBell 206L-4
Tail NumberN1811
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthern Helicopters
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · 250C-30 · Turboshaft · 650
Seats7

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time21:41
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data