WARNING: Photos embedded in this story are graphic.
KINGMAN, Ariz. - An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter crew was uninjured and landed their helicopter safely after crashing into a flock of birds.
According to DPS, the crew of chopper Ranger 56, consisting of pilot John Haverly and trooper-paramedic Daniel Townsend were flying back to Kingman after an unsuccessful search for a 4-year-old girl near Williams on April 29.
During the return flight, a flock of birds struck the helicopter. DPS said Townsend, who was sitting in the front left seat, spotted the birds flying directly into the chopper's path from the left side, but did not have time to warn the pilot before impact.
“The flight was suddenly interrupted with a serious of loud cannon like thuds, followed by a sudden rush of air into the cockpit,” Haverly and Townsend said in a release describing the impact.
DPS said Haverly and Townsend both described being hit with high-speed wind, debris, bird blood.
Townsend was temporarily blinded by the birds' remains, according to DPS.
The helicopter was damaged. DPS said it was later discovered that one of the birds had broken through the helicopter's left front chin bubble. This sent a sudden rush of air into the cockpit.
But despite battling high winds, debris and having a damaged helicopter, Haverly and Townsend landed safely in an open field near I-40. The crew immediately contacted the department's Flagstaff center for help.
Haverly and Townsend were not injured in the midair collision.
DPS said Ranger 56 was repaired enough the next day for a flight to Phoenix where further inspections and repairs will be conducted.
"Pilot Haverly’s wit and training are the reason he was able to land the helicopter safely and without further incident,” Lt. Col. Ken Hunter, with the agency support division, said in a release.
DPS said the 4-year-old girl was later found safe.
