Probable cause
The helicopter’s impact with a bird during cruise flight.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the medical helicopter reported that, while transporting a patient, the medical crewmember seated in the front left seat identified the bird and announced its presence to the pilot. The pilot attempted to turn and descend to avoid impact, but the bird struck the helicopter’s windshield, windshield support beam, and greenhouse window, which resulted in substantial damage to the windshield support beam. The pilot diverted the helicopter to a nearby helipad and landed without further incident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA057 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 22, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Austin, Texas
- Nearest airport
- (TE94)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Leonardo Spa AW169
- N-number
- N307TC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2019
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.