Probable cause
An in-flight collision with birds while in cruise flight.
NTSB analysis
The air ambulance pilot reported that he was enroute to his destination when two large birds impacted the helicopter, which resulted in substantial damage to the pitch change link assembly and drive link assembly. The helicopter began to “hop vertically” and controllability was in question, so the pilot made a precautionary landing without incident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA143 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 29, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Moran, Kansas
- Nearest airport
- (CNU)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 407
- N-number
- N910GX
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2013
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
- Purpose of flight
- Other work use
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.