Probable cause
An in-flight collision with a flock of birds.
NTSB analysis
During a dark night flight in visual meteorological conditions, an emergency medical services helicopter collided with a flock of birds about 1,100 ft above ground level. The impact shattered the windscreen and caused what the pilot described as an explosion. Despite the damage, the pilot was able to stabilize the helicopter and head towards the nearest airport, about 7.5 miles away. The helicopter landed without further incident. A post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the main rotor blades in the pitch control cuff area and the monocoque structure of the fantail.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA053 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 22, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Dodge Center, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135T3
- N-number
- N423NM
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2022
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Positioning
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.