Geese caused fatal USAF helicopter crash in Cley, report says
Investigators found "clear" evidence "bird strikes" caused a helicopter crash which killed four people.
Capt Christopher Stover, Capt Sean Ruane, Tech Sgt Dale Mathews and Staff Sgt Afton Ponce died on a training mission near Cley, Norfolk, in January.
They were in an HH-60G Pave Hawk, which was part of 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk.
The Accident Investigation Branch says the geese strikes "rendered" both the pilot and co-pilot unconscious.
The helicopter was flying 110ft (33m) above ground level at a speed of about 110 knots (126mph) just before the crash.
In his report on the crash, Brig Gen Jon Norman said: "A flock of geese took flight from Cley Marshes, likely startled by the noise of the approaching helicopters, and struck the (helicopter).
"At least three geese penetrated the windscreen."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28224917 ca99