NTSB Factual Report

On July 24, 2002, approximately 1245 Pacific daylight time, a Bell 206B rotorcraft, N60PH, registered to/operated by Seaside Helicopters, LLC., and being flown by a commercial pilot experienced the in flight shattering/separation of the right (pilot's) windscreen near Elsie, Oregon. The rotorcraft sustained substantial damage to its rotor blades during the momentary upset and loss of control following the windscreen separation. The pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions were reported at Astoria, Oregon, at 1255, and a company flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14 CFR 91, and originated from Newberg, Oregon, approximately 1215, destined for Seaside, Oregon.

The pilot reported that he was en route at 110-115 miles per hour in level cruise flight approximately 1,500 feet above ground (agl) when the right front windscreen shattered and separated from the windscreen frame. The rotorcraft yawed to the right and entered into a descending right turn which the pilot recovered from approximately 500 feet agl.

The pilot reported that the windscreen had been replaced in 1992 (refer to ATTACHMENT M-I). He also reported that when the aircraft was recently acquired by the operator, there was a warp noted on the far right side of the pilot's windscreen. The pilot reported that a mechanic associated with the previous owner said that the warp was from an unknown heat source in the past (refer to NTSB Form 6120.1).

An FAA inspector who examined the helicopter after the accident reported that the center portion of the windscreen had broken inward, with the windscreen edges remaining attached to the airframe. The FAA inspector reported that his examination did not reveal any evidence of a bird strike.

NTSB Probable Cause

The shattering and separation of the forward right (pilot's) windscreen for undetermined reason(s).