Incident Details
A pilot reported that while climbing the helicopter through 1,300 feet, he experienced an "explosion" in his face that knocked his visor upward. This event impaired his visibility and disrupted crew communications. Despite the impairment, the pilot managed to lower his visor and successfully land the helicopter.
Upon landing, examination revealed extensive damage: both windshields were blown out, the center post and cabin shell were damaged, and the doors had been forced open. Additionally, onboard medical equipment was reported missing.
A crewmember stated that just before the incident, they observed a black bird flying toward the helicopter from above and to the left but did not have sufficient time to call it out.
Findings
Analysis of residual bird feathers found onboard and a photograph of the suspect bird carcass identified the bird as a black vulture, a species that can weigh up to 4.8 pounds.