MN State Patrol Helicopter Hit by Duck, Co-Pilot Injured

A Minnesota State Patrol pilot is recovering after a duck went through the windshield of one of the agency's helicopters Wednesday night.

Around 10:15 p.m., a state patrol flight was requested to assist local law enforcement in Wabasha County. While pilots were returning from the assist, the helicopter was hit by a duck.

MSP said the pilot of the Bell 407 helicopter was able to keep the chopper in the air and land safely at St. Paul Downtown Airport, where that Patrol bases its flight operations, Minnesota Public Radio reports.

The injured co-pilot suffered what the MSP said was a head injury that is not considered life threatening and was treated by paramedics and then taken to a hospital near the airport. The State Patrol said the co-pilot was wearing his helmet and had his helmet-shield down when he was hit. The man, who was not identified, was treated and released.