Incident Overview
During a sightseeing flight, a helicopter was cruising at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above terrain with an airspeed between 100 and 120 knots. The pilot observed one large bird ahead to the left and below the helicopter. Suddenly, another large bird, tentatively identified as a Golden eagle with an estimated 8-foot wingspan, appeared directly ahead of the aircraft. The lower bird passed to the left, but the second bird struck the helicopter in the area of the front windscreen (bubble).
Damage and Injuries
The impact caused the center front and left windscreens to shatter. Debris from the shattered windscreens and the bird entered the cockpit, striking and injuring the pilot and two passengers. The helicopter was equipped with a video camera that captured images of the approaching birds.
Pilot Actions
Immediately following the strike, the pilot initiated a shallow bank turn toward a nearby airport while beginning a descent for landing. The pilot successfully landed the helicopter without further incident.
Investigation Notes
The investigation is ongoing. The bird species was tentatively identified as a Golden eagle based on its size and appearance. No other factors or causal links have been established.