Accidents
'Abrupt' Inputs after Bird Strike Caused Helo Breakup
Sun glare and a required radio frequency change made it unlikely that the pilot of a LongRanger helicopter saw or had time to avoid a wedgetail eagle.
Graphic showing satellite map with locations of Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger wreckage
Wreckage map from the Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger that struck a wedgetail eagle in New South Wales, Australia. (Photo: ATSB)

The July 9, 2022, fatal crash of a Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger in New South Wales was caused by the pilot’s precipitous control inputs after a bird strike, according to the Australian Transportation Safety Board (ATSB) final investigation report.

“The pilot was likely startled by sighting the bird or the helicopter striking the bird, reacting via abrupt control inputs,” said the ATSB. “These inputs led to the main rotor striking and severing the tail boom, and the helicopter breaking up in flight.” The sole-occupant pilot was killed.

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