Chopper Makes Safe Landing After Colliding With Bird

DALLAS (AP) — The pilot of a Dallas police helicopter has suffered minor injuries after the aircraft struck a bird over Lake Ray Hubbard.

Maj. Max Geron says the pilot was hurt Monday night after the windshield broke when the chopper collided with an American coot, a duck-like waterfowl.

The co-pilot was able to safely land the aircraft. The pilot was taken to a hospital for treatment of cuts to his face and arms.

The helicopter was being used to search for a person whose boat had capsized. The boater was rescued.

Maintenance personnel later used tape to cover a hole in the windshield of the helicopter, which was then flown to a police hangar for repairs.