FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Helicopter Strikes Birds, Suffers Main Rotor Blade Strike on Tail Boom (N431MS)

Tallulah, LA, US

On May 30, 1990, a Schweizer 269C (registration N431MS) was involved in an aviation accident near Tallulah, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO A MULTIPLE BIRD STRIKE AND INCORRECT CONTROL INPUTS BY THE PILOT IN THE FLARE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE BIRD STRIKE INDUCED VIBRATIONS AND THE MAIN ROTOR BLADE CONTACT WITH THE TAIL ROTOR DRIVE SHAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise at 800 feet, a helicopter inadvertently flew into a flock of birds. Following severe vibrations, the pilot executed a precautionary landing. During descent and flare, the main rotor blade flexed down and struck the tail boom, causing loss of control. The aircraft struck the ground nose-low and rolled onto its left side.

Accident Details

During cruise flight at an altitude of 800 feet above ground level, the pilot inadvertently flew the aircraft into a flock of birds. Immediately following the bird strike, the aircraft developed severe vertical vibrations. In response, the pilot executed a precautionary landing.

Sequence of Events

During the descent and during the flare prior to landing, the main rotor blade flexed downward and struck the tail boom. This contact resulted in the aircraft becoming uncontrollable. Subsequently, the aircraft struck the ground in a nose-low attitude and rolled onto its left side.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23145. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.