The National Transportation Safety Board continues its investigation of the January 4, 2009 fatal accident involving a Sikorsky S-76C++ helicopter crash in the marsh near Morgan City, Louisiana.
The NTSB, with the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has examined the helicopter for evidence of a bird strike. Results from DNA testing of a swab taken from the pilot-side windscreen show that microscopic remains of a hawk variety were present. A second detailed examination of the wreckage layout revealed the presence of small parts of feathers under a right side windscreen seal and in the folds of the right side engine inlet filter. The NTSB continues its investigation involving further analysis of information from the cockpit, voice and flight data recorders, detailed examination and analysis of the wreckage, research into scenarios that could cause the loss of engine torque, and electrical anomalies noted on the flight recorders, and the flight crew’s response to the event.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
