EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — The Lane County, Ore., sheriff’s office says its helicopter made a safe emergency landing Friday after apparently hitting a large bird.
No one was injured.
The sheriff’s office says two sheriff’s volunteers who are also pilots were operating the helicopter at about 1,800 feet on a training flight when it appears a large bird hit the tail rotor, causing it to stop working properly.
Within about eight seconds, the pilot was able to land in a grassy field near Churchill High School in Eugene.
The Register-Guard says the aircraft will be trailered back to a hanger for a complete evaluation.