Lehigh Valley Hospital - MedEvac - Non-injury incident

Date: 10-29-2007  

Program: Lehigh Valley Hospital - MedEvac    Allentown, PA 

Type: BK117
Operator/Vendor: Air Methods

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, flight nurse and flight paramedic. No injuries reported. Patient on board. 

Description: 
	Lehigh Valley Hospital ? MedEvac aircraft operated by Air Methods, Inc
	was involved in a bird strike incident on Monday October 29, 2007 at
	approximately 2241 hours.  The aircraft a BK 117 was traveling at
	approximately 1400 ft AGL when it encountered a flock of birds.  Two
	birds penetrated the aircraft; the first broke through front wind
	screen and second broke through rear door (pilot side) window.  The
	bird that struck the front of the aircraft penetrated the cockpit
	compartment midline to the aircraft just above the throttles.  
	
	The impact forced both throttles into the ?idle? position.  This
	caused the aircraft to lose power to the engines.  The pilot
	immediately placed the aircraft into an autorotation preparing for an
	emergent landing.  An emergency ?mayday? notification was sent to an
	airport tower as well as our communication center.  The pilot quickly
	recognized the cause for the failure in power and immediately placed
	both throttles to ?fly? position.  He recovered the aircraft and
	landed in an open parking lot 1 mile from their intended pick up
	location.  No patient was onboard and no crew member was injured. 
	

Additional Info: 
	Post flight investigation revealed the aircraft sustained significant
	bird strikes.  Two  penetrated the passenger compartments with great
	force.  The bird was devastated and sprayed the entire crew both up
	front and in the rear.  Of significance was the pilot and flight nurse
	who were up front at the time of the impact.  All crew members were
	wearing helmets and the two personnel up front had their clear visors
	down.  This protected them from additional injury (and distraction). 
	The aircraft is currently being inspected by mechanics from Air
	Methods.    

Source: Keith D. Micucci RN, Director Emergency Services

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Copyright 2007 ASTNA