What happened
On 26 March 2014, a Robinson R44 Raven II, registration G-ODAZ, was conducting a private flight at approximately 1,000 ft under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). While operating near RAF Wittering, the aircraft struck a bird, which the pilot identified as a buzzard. The impact resulted in a broken windscreen transparency. Following the strike, the pilot performed a precautionary landing to conduct a thorough inspection of the helicopter for any further damage. After confirming the aircraft was safe to proceed, the pilot continued the flight toward the destination at White Waltham.
The investigation
An investigation was initiated following the submission of an aircraft accident report by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the circumstances surrounding the mid-air collision. The pilot reported that the bird was not visible prior to the impact, which prevented any evasive maneuvers from being executed. No injuries were sustained by the pilot or the single passenger on board during the incident.