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NTSB Report
October 17, 2023 · Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 206L-4 · N490AE
Mitchell, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 17, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Mitchell, IN
Aircraft
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 206L-4 (2006)
Tail Number
N490AE
Operator
Air Evac Ms
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN24LA017
The air medical flight departed from a hospital and was enroute to the operator’s base of operation. About 30 minutes after departure, while in cruise flight, at an airspeed of about 109 kts and an altitude of about 1,058 ft above ground level, the helicopter encountered a bird strike with a black vulture (Coragyps atratus). A heavy vibration ensued, and the pilot performed an off-airport landing to a field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, which was a bent pitch change link for the main rotor system, from the bird strike. There was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Ability to respond/compensate
Full Narrative
The air medical flight departed from a hospital and was enroute to the operator’s base of operation. About 30 minutes after departure, while in cruise flight, at an airspeed of about 109 kts and an altitude of about 1,058 ft above ground level, the helicopter encountered a bird strike with a black vulture (Coragyps atratus). A heavy vibration ensued, and the pilot performed an off-airport landing to a field. The helicopter sustained substantial damage, which was a bent pitch change link for the main rotor system, from the bird strike. There was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the helicopter that would have precluded normal operations.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:50 EDT
Nearest AirportVirgil I Grissom Municipal Air (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledCvfr
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBell Helicopter Textron Canada 206L-4
Tail NumberN490AE
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Evac Ms
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C30P · Turboshaft · 650
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 43 C
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time14:35
Weather SourceWFAC