Incident Overview
A pilot flying a helicopter at an altitude of 1,000 feet observed a large bird positioned to the right of the flight path. The bird began to circle toward the helicopter, prompting the pilot to execute a sharp left turn in an attempt to avoid a collision. During the steep left bank, the pilot perceived a thump in the aircraft and the cyclic control, which subsequently became sluggish and spongy in response.
Post-Incident Actions
The pilot retained control of the helicopter and performed a controlled descent, ultimately landing on the median of a highway. No mechanical anomalies had been reported with the helicopter prior to the in-flight encounter.
Inspection Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the helicopter after the landing and determined that the main rotor blades required replacement due to damage sustained from the collision.
Pilot Report
The pilot noted the bird was large and initially to the right before it changed direction. The cyclic control's sluggish and spongy feel followed the thump felt during the evasive maneuver.