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Dallas Police Department’s Air 1 helicopter got an unexpected and unwanted guest last night. While the chopper was flying over Lake Ray Hubbard, a bird — initially reported to be a duck but later confirmed to be an American coot — flew through Air 1’s windshield, shattering glass and injuring the pilot, Sergeant Todd Limerick.
The chopper’s co-pilot, Senior Corporal Laurent Lespagbol was able to make an emergency landing near Dalrock Road and Interstate 30 despite the broken windshield.
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The bird was not so lucky.
Temporary windshield repairs were made on site — some with duct tape, which would be funnier if the bird with a death wish actually turned out to be a duck — and the chopper was able to return to its hangar last night.
