Probable cause
An inflight collision with birds while on approach.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during approach to a hospital helipad, two red-tailed hawks flew into the path of the helicopter and his evasive actions were unsuccessful in avoiding the birds. The birds struck the windscreen and fragments of the windscreen impacted the rotor blades. The pilot made an uneventful landing in a nearby open field. The rotor blades were substantially damaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA129 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fort Morgan, Colorado
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
American Eurocopter Corp AS350B3
- N-number
- N853MB
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2012
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.