AAIB investigation to Bell 429, M-YMCM

Bird strike on approach to Edinburgh Airport, 25 November 2018.

From:
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
Published
13 June 2019
Category:
Commercial - rotorcraft
Report type:
Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
Date of occurrence:
25 November 2018
Aircraft type:
Bell 429
Location:
On approach to Edinburgh Airport
Registration:
M-YMCM

Summary:

Whilst on short final to Edinburgh Airport, at approximately 100 kt, the helicopter suffered a bird strike to the left windscreen. The windscreen shattered and debris entered the cockpit, injuring the occupant in the left seat, who required hospital treatment.

The Bell 429 windscreen is not designed to withstand bird strikes and the design certification requirements do not require it to do so. A recent study by the Rotorcraft Bird Strike Working Group has recommended the introduction of bird strike protection requirements for Normal category rotorcraft to minimise the risk of damage or injury.

Download report:

Bell 429, M-YMCM 06-19 2.2

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Updates to this page

Published 13 June 2019
Contents