What happened
On January 30, 2025, at approximately 15:41 local time, a Eurocopter EC135P2+ helicopter, registered as N135ML, departed from Toncontin International Airport (MHTG) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The aircraft was operated by AVICORP and was carrying one pilot and one passenger on a private flight destined for Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport (MHLM).
Approximately ten nautical miles north of the departure aerodrome, while flying at an altitude of roughly 1,000 feet under visual flight rules, the helicopter collided with a black vulture (*Coragyps atratus*). The impact shattered the right side of the cockpit windshield. Following the collision, the pilot declared an emergency to air traffic control and successfully executed an emergency landing in an open field located about 18 kilometers from Toncontin.
As a result of the bird strike, the pilot suffered minor injuries, while the passenger remained unharmed. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the windshield but no other structural issues were reported. There was no fire during or after the incident.
The investigation
The Honduran Agency for Civil Aeronautics (AHAC) investigated the incident to determine the causal factors. Investigators identified the wildlife involved as a black vulture, a species commonly found in open areas and near landfills. The investigation noted that a landfill located approximately 18 kilometers from Toncontin Airport attracts large numbers of these birds, creating a hazard for aircraft transiting that specific northern radial.
The pilot was found to be fully qualified, holding a Commercial Helicopter Pilot license with over 4,000 hours of helicopter experience. His medical certificate was valid at the time of the flight. Meteorological conditions were favorable, with good visibility and light winds. The aircraft's maintenance records indicated it was airworthy prior to the flight.
Findings
The primary cause of the incident was the collision with a black vulture. Contributing factors included the proximity of a landfill to the flight path, which attracts scavenging birds, and the vulnerability of the windshield to such impacts at low altitudes. The pilot's decision to perform an emergency landing in a suitable open area prevented more severe consequences.
Safety action
No specific safety recommendations or actions were recorded in this preliminary report.