In the not so distant past, PHI had a bird strike that busted the plastic windshield and pulled one throttle all the way back to idle in a 76. That aircraft was landed safely. If this 76 accident turns out to be a birdstrike, it will not be good for PHI, because they had first hand knowledge that the plastic windows do not provide sufficient protection for the throttle quadrants.
Also, it is a widely-known fact that there are many bird strikes each year in that bayou which is filled with millions of seemingly retarded migratory birds.
If it was a birdstrike, then I believe that this accident could have been prevented- if only operators were willing to accept the small extra weight that glass windows bring with them. But they receive pressure from the oil companies to carry as much weight as possible.
If Shell was really all about safety, they would allow pilots to download weight for CAT A take-offs.
Who is to blame for all these plastic windows on helicopters with overhead throttle quadrants? No doubt, a jury will decide.
God rest the the souls of all who were onboard.