There was a helicopter crash near Fort Morgan, Colorado on February 28, 2024. According to reports, the medical helicopter, an Astar B3, had to make an emergency landing in a field. At the time of the crash, the helicopter was en route to pick up a patient. Reports indicate the helicopter was struck by a bird, requiring the landing.
Bird strikes pose a significant risk to helicopter operations, representing a critical safety concern that affects both civilian and military flights. These incidents occur when a bird collides with a helicopter, potentially causing damage to the rotor blades, windshield, or engine, depending on the point of impact and the size of the bird. Helicopters, particularly those operating at lower altitudes during takeoff, landing, or low-level flight operations, are at a heightened risk of encountering birds. The consequences of such collisions can range from minor equipment damage to catastrophic failures, leading to loss of control, forced landings, or even crashes. The risk is further magnified in areas with high bird populations, migratory paths, or near habitats such as wetlands and landfills, where birds are more likely to be encountered.
To mitigate the risks associated with bird strikes, helicopter operators and aviation authorities implement various strategies, including wildlife management programs around airfields, modifying flight paths away from known bird habitats, and using technology to detect and avoid birds during flight. Pilots are also trained to be vigilant of bird hazards, especially in critical phases of flight or when operating in areas known for high bird activity. Despite these precautions, the unpredictable nature of bird movements means that the risk of bird strikes cannot be completely eliminated, underscoring the importance of ongoing research, technological advancements, and adherence to safety protocols to minimize the impact of these incidents on helicopter safety.
There have been a number of recent helicopter crashes. An AH-64D Apache crashed near Booneville, Mississippi on February 23, 2024. An Army UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed near Banks, Alabama on February 23, 2024. A Sikorsky S-92 crashed in the Ocean off the coast of Norway on February 28, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced helicopter crash attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a helicopter accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.