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Gentlemen:

I was flying a Bell 47 today and heard over the radio another friend and fellow pilot in his Bell 206 Jetranger.   He indicated he hit a bird and was turning back to the airport.

When I landed and had a look I was amazed at the damage.   The Jetranger has a windshield about 1/4 in thick and one entire piece 2' x3' had been totally broken out on the co-pilot side.   His buddy in the back seat was covered in feathers and blood.   The bird must have penetrated the front windscreen and been driven all the waty to the back.
He said his airspeed at time of impact was only about 90 KIAS.   The damage was substantial.

Question:   Has there ever been a bird strike on a Lancair windscreen.   I guess what went through my mind was if that much damage can happen at 90 KIAS...what would happen at 190 KIAS?

Thoughts anyone


Dave Riggs

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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.