Probable cause
The helicopter’s collision with a bird during cruise flight.
NTSB analysis
The helicopter pilot reported that, while en route, about 2 miles northeast from his destination airport and about 500 ft above ground level and 60 knots, he heard a loud "thud" from a possible bird strike, and the upper right windscreen/canopy shattered, with pieces going into the main rotor disc and cabin. He continued to the airport and landed without further incident.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA168 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 13, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Keene, New Hampshire
- Nearest airport
- Dillant-Hopkins (EEN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Hughes TH 55
- N-number
- N8045H
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 1967
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.