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| Date: | Tuesday 20 June 2023 |
| Time: | 15:30 |
| Type: |  Airbus Helicopters H125 |
| Owner/operator: | Heli Rezia |
| Registration: | HB-ZMK |
| MSN: | 8550 |
| Year of manufacture: | 2018 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Zillis -
 Switzerland
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | Alp Nera |
| Thusis | |
| Investigating agency: | STSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
During the flight, a bird of prey collided with the right front window of the helicopter. The windshield was penetrated and the pilot was injured. The pilot landed the damaged helicopter in a nearby meadow.
SUST Analysis and Conclusions
The majority of helicopters operated in Switzerland are "light helicopters" with fewer than 6 passenger seats, which lack structural protective measures against bird strikes. In this case, the collision with the bird of prey occurred at a flight altitude of less than 3500 feet above ground level and at a flight speed exceeding 80 knots.
The pilot sustained head injuries, which could very likely have been prevented by wearing a protective helmet with a closed visor. In general, wearing a protective helmet with an integrated, closed visor can effectively prevent head injuries. For this reason, some helicopter operators recommend or even mandate the use of such helmets.
The risk of bird strikes can also be reduced through an adapted flight strategy, such as flying at a higher altitude or reducing flight speed.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
STSB
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 18-Jul-2023 14:22 | harro | Added |
| 09-Dec-2024 10:18 | ASN | Updated [Nature, Narrative, Accident report, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
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