Dallas Police Department - Helicopter Unit (from www.facebook.com)

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

Police spokesman Maj. Max Geron says the pilot was hurt Monday night after the windshield broke when it collided with an American coot, a duck-like waterfowl also known as a mud hen.

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

Police say the helicopter had been used to search for a person whose boat had capsized. The boater was rescued.

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