Large Bird Strikes Miami-Dade Police Chopper, Injures Pilot
SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE (CBSMiami) – The pilot of a Miami-Dade police helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing after a large bird crashed into the windshield, causing injury to the pilot.
The Eurocopter - A Star 350 B3 was in flight when a bird struck the right front windshield around 11:15 a.m.
The bird shattered the windshield and struck the police pilot in the face, causing minor lacerations.
The pilot managed to land the helicopter in a parking lot at the Snapper Creek Service Plaza near SW 120th Street and the Florida Turnpike.
The pilot, who was the only one on board, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The dead bird remained inside the chopper.
