R22 Birdstrike Over The Super Bowl
R22 bird strike during the superbowl - source: wsvn.com
A pilot and friend flying in a Robinson R22 over the Sun Life Stadium yesterday got a shocking surprise when a turkey vulture (or buzzard depending where you live) came through the windscreen. The pair were taking pictures and video of the super bowl when the bird smashed through and landed on the pilot’s lap. Although dazed, the bird didn’t die and was held in place while they made an emergency landing at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Once the shutdown was complete the bird then flew out the door, over a fence and landed near a building. The pilot was quoted as saying that he looked injured. No mention what, if anything, was done about the bird after that.
You can see video taken by the passenger of them actually holding the bird while in-flight here.
I can’t make out the tail number – any guesses? And if the person doing the filming ever reads this, I’d love a copy of the complete footage! Just send to tips<at>vtolblog.com
Update: Footage of the incident added
R22 bird strike during the superbowl - source: wsvn.com
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Tags: birdstrike, r22, robinson
I was flying this R-22 when this incident occurred. For anyone that would like to ask me any questions about this episode, you may call me at 516-422-1770. If this goes to voicemail, simply leave a message. I will return the call as soon as I can. Thanks and fly safe.
Paul Appleton