Pilots View of a Bird Strike in a Helicopter

A few months ago I recorded a bird strike while flying an R44. These can happen on a daily basis anywhere around the world.

This is how it all came together on this day.
Flying up from the Central Coast we had the glare from the sun reflecting off the ocean for a good 15 minutes before we hit the bird.

I was trying not to look directly at the glare and was also looking for whales as it was a big season for sightings, none were seen.

Coming up to Caves Beach I started the descent for the runway at Lake Macquarie Airport.

The sea eagle was also flying in the same direction. On impact I focused on feeling the controls for any vibration or anything out of the ordinary but everything felt fine.

I really did think that I missed the bird but after shutting down the machine at the airport it was quite clear that I had struck the bird on the lower section of the mast. There was no blood.

I want pilots to see this and understand that it could happen to you on any given day. When it does, it's quick! This is evidence of that.

Fly safe and I hope to get some more content out soon!