The 1. The helicopter was undertaking a night patient transfer from Yverdon-les-Bains Hospital to Vaudois University Hospital in Lausanne both hospitals have elevated helipads. On board were one pilot, two medical personnel and the patient. At Local Time, 5 minutes into the flight, the helicopter was in the cruise at c ft AGL on autopilot when the bird strike occurred over Bretigny-sur-Morrens.
Despite entry at foot height the pilot was also hit in the head by debris. The impact of the bird surprised the crew while the helicopter was cruising at night. It was therefore not possible to detect the presence of birds and attempt an avoidance maneuver.
The shattering of the canopy with the penetration of the bird and the projection of the remains into the dark cabin must have caused a stressful situation which was well managed by the pilot. The current H lower cockpit windows are 2mm acrylic, reinforced round the edges. The current windshields are 6mm acrylic.
While, as per the Changed Product Rule Part The rotorcraft must be designed to ensure capability of continued safe flight and landing for Category A or safe landing for Category B after impact with a 2. Compliance must be shown by tests or by analysis based on tests carried out on sufficiently representative structures of similar design. SUST note that Airbus are developing a product upgrade, though that is not yet certified at the time they issued their report.
It is not clear if that is just a new lower cockpit window or new windshield too. Front windshields of increased thickness, part no. A reinforced crest cowling part no. These components have been demonstrated by tests to withstand impact with a two-pound bird under all required conditions. You may also find these Aerossurance articles of interest:. Search for:. Recent Comments.
