MARCH 24, 2015
DALLAS, TEXAS
The pilot of the Dallas Police Department helicopter that
had to make an emergency landing Monday night was released from the hospital
Tuesday morning. (Published Tuesday, Mar 24, 2015)
The co-pilot of a Dallas Police Department helicopter is
being hailed as a hero after he had to make an emergency landing following a
bird strike over Lake Ray Hubbard Monday night.
According to Dallas police, Sgt. Todd Limerick and co-pilot
Senior Cpl. Laurent Lespagnol were responding to a call of a possible capsized
boat. They were over the lake when an American Coot crashed through the
windshield of the helicopter, striking Limerick in the face.
On Tuesday, Lespagnol described the moment the roughly
three-pound little bird struck the helicopter. Probably the little brave bird was defending his nest and sacrificed his life by attacking the "big bird".
“Loud, loud, loud,” Lespagnol said. “Kind of an explosion
type deal, loud boom. Like I said, not knowing if the engine had gone out or
what, it was just interesting.”
Limerick was bleeding and handed control of the chopper to
Lespagnol, who maneuvered in the dark around power lines to bring it safely to
the ground. Lespagnol admits it was scary.
“Absolutely, I would be crazy not to say it wasn’t chaotic
and like I said the main thing was bring the aircraft down and get him medical
attention because there was blood all over,” Lespagnol said. Dallas police are
now calling Lespagnol a hero.
Dallas Police Deputy Chief Scott Walton said not every time
DPD Air One flies are there two licensed pilots aboard, and in this instance
Lespagnol’s skills and training assisted in safely landing the helicopter.
Lespagnol told reports his main concern was getting the
helicopter to the ground so his partner could receive medical attention.
Paramedics transported Limerick to Baylor University Medical Center. Lespagnol
told NBC 5 that Limerick suffered a broken nose and facial bruises.
Limerick tweeted that he was feeling better just after
midnight.
Thank you for everyone's thoughts and prayers tonight. I am
bruised, bloody and sore but will be ok.........Sgt T. Limerick. @DallasPD
— Dallas Air One (@DPDAir1) March 24, 2015
He was released Tuesday morning and is expected to be OK. Unfortunately the little coot died in the
crash. RIP. Cops-1, Coot-0.
Crews used tape to repair the windshield of the helicopter
so it could be flown back for more permanent repairs at the Dallas Executive
Airport, where it’s housed.
Police said they later found the capsized boat Limerick was
searching for. The boater was found safe as well.