Narrative:

On the second (patient) leg of the flight; while the aircraft was in cruise flight; a bird flew into the pilot's windshield; breaking the windshield and leaving a 7 inch hole in the windscreen. The aircraft was enroute to a hospital. We were 35 minutes into the flight with 45 minutes remaining. The aircraft was at 8;000 MSL and cruising at 110 KIAS and 125 KTS ground speed. The pilot was on nvgs (night vision goggles) and the medical crew had their nvgs removed for patient care. Numerous birds had been observed through the flight. After the bird struck the windscreen airspeed was slowed to 80 KIAS. After determining that everyone was unhurt the damage on the windscreen was assessed. The hole was beside the center divider and just below the dash visor. It was determined that the windshield was structurally sound and the closest safe landing area was back at behind us 25 minutes away at 80 KIAS. The pilot informed our dispatch that we had been struck by a bird; which; went through the windscreen. We also informed them that no injuries occurred and we would be diverting. Dispatch notified the hospital that there would be a 1 hour delay on patient arrival. The medical crew then contacted our fixed wing aircraft; which was retuning to its base at our diversion airport. It was determined that it would land at the airport 10 minutes after we would land. We flew to the diversion airport and made a normal approach and hover taxied to our parking area and shut down the aircraft. Aviation and medical management was notified of the event and our safe arrival. They were also notified of arrangements made to transport the patient. The aircraft was then inspected for any other damage with none being found. A write up was placed in the aircraft log book and the red sock was placed over the cyclic. All medical equipment and publications were removed from aircraft in anticipation of our primary aircraft going back into service the following day. Once we got back to the hospital; which is were the helicopter is based; the equipment was placed in the hangar. The pilot then debriefed the crew and called and debriefed the dispatcher. Moon had set at xa:30. Sky was clear visibility was good; with moonlight being very low. Deviate route or altitude if possible to avoid birds.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A bird went into a medical helicopters windshield while in cruise at 8;000 FT in early morning night time conditions. The flight subsequently diverted to a nearby airport.

Narrative: On the second (patient) leg of the flight; while the Aircraft was in cruise flight; a bird flew into the pilot's windshield; breaking the windshield and leaving a 7 inch hole in the windscreen. The Aircraft was enroute to a hospital. We were 35 minutes into the flight with 45 minutes remaining. The Aircraft was at 8;000 MSL and cruising at 110 KIAS and 125 KTS ground speed. The pilot was on NVGs (night vision goggles) and the medical crew had their NVGs removed for patient care. Numerous birds had been observed through the flight. After the bird struck the windscreen airspeed was slowed to 80 KIAS. After determining that everyone was unhurt the damage on the windscreen was assessed. The hole was beside the center divider and just below the dash visor. It was determined that the windshield was structurally sound and the closest safe landing area was back at behind us 25 minutes away at 80 KIAS. The pilot informed our Dispatch that we had been struck by a bird; which; went through the windscreen. We also informed them that no injuries occurred and we would be diverting. Dispatch notified the hospital that there would be a 1 hour delay on patient arrival. The medical crew then contacted our fixed wing aircraft; which was retuning to its base at our diversion airport. It was determined that it would land at the airport 10 minutes after we would land. We flew to the diversion airport and made a normal approach and hover taxied to our parking area and shut down the aircraft. Aviation and medical management was notified of the event and our safe arrival. They were also notified of arrangements made to transport the patient. The aircraft was then inspected for any other damage with none being found. A write up was placed in the aircraft log book and the red sock was placed over the cyclic. All medical equipment and publications were removed from aircraft in anticipation of our primary aircraft going back into service the following day. Once we got back to the hospital; which is were the helicopter is based; the equipment was placed in the hangar. The pilot then debriefed the crew and called and debriefed the Dispatcher. Moon had set at XA:30. Sky was clear visibility was good; with moonlight being very low. Deviate route or altitude if possible to avoid birds.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.