Hughes TH 55
Keene, NH — March 13, 2019
Event Information
| Date | March 13, 2019 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA168 |
| Event ID | 20190315X92147 |
| Location | Keene, NH |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.89833, -72.27084 |
| Airport | DILLANT-HOPKINS |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Hughes |
| Model | TH 55 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The helicopter’s collision with a bird during cruise flight.
Full Narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that while enroute, about 2 miles northeast from his destination airport, about 500 feet above ground level and 60 knots, he heard a loud "thud" from a possible bird strike and the upper right windscreen/canopy shattered, with pieces going into the main rotor disc and cabin. He continued to the airport and landed without further incident.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.
The pilot, a certificated Airframe and Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization, reported that after his examination, the main rotor blade damages were beyond the manufacturer's guidance and repair limits.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.