Helicopter Bird Strikes.

[ALFA8C]

Guys,
After watching that documentary about the double engine failure that led the aircraft to ditch in the Hudson river, I was just wondering how prevalent bird strikes were on helicopters whether it be engine ingestions or windscreen failures?

[Ascend_Charlie]

Engine ingestions on choppers would be rare, as the intakes are protected to avoid inhaling dust and grass and such.

I have had birdstrikes on the rotor leading edge (2, no damage to the blades, but turned a cockatoo into a cocka-one), a front window (big eagle, broke the glass and luckily killed the bird) and one that just missed the front window and got sucked in the open side door to splatter itself all over the flying boot of the crewman sitting at the door.

He was unimpressed by the smell of blood and guts, and I was amazed at how the cockpit filled with fine grey feathers, looked like ash floating around.

[haggishunter]

I have had a couple of bird strikes through the rotor which has caused no damage, another one in the inlet of an engine, the narrowing of the inlet caused the bird to get stuck half way in and wasn´t ingested.

The worst case would have to be through the windshield in a light helicopter without a bird strike certified material (perspex for example). Have witnessed the aftermath of a 206 taking one through the windshield, narrowly missing the pilot head and ending up in many pieces against the rear bulkhead, I would suggest a helmet and visor if conducting low level operations, pipeline patrol etc.

Fly safe,

HH
_________________
ATPL(H) IR(H): SK92, AS355, EC120, R22/44

"When the tough gets going, the tough eat haggis!"

[mungo5]

Never had one; yet. But I've always been told to watch out for Eagles, as they have no known predators, so won't fly away to avoid you like other birds do.