Sheriff's Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing in Poway

POWAY, CA: A San Diego County sheriff's helicopter made an emergency landing this afternoon at Poway High School because of a mechanical problem.

Sheriff's Lt. Jim Walker told City News Service that two deputies aboard the chopper noticed the problem while in flight over Poway shortly after 2:30 p.m.

They landed on a ball field on the campus at 15500 Espola Road, and no one was hurt, Walker said.

According to the lieutenant, a mechanic responded to the school to work on the helicopter, and it was expected to be flown back to its base soon.

Sheriff's Lt. Emory Wallace added that the landing was made as precaution after the pilot heard a noise.

"The pilot was in control of the aircraft throughout the flight and there was no danger to the public at any point," Wallace said. "No students were in the area where the aircraft landed. The aircraft landed under power and was not damaged. When the mechanics make any needed repairs, the aircraft will be flown from the field to ASTREA Base at Gillespie Field."

City News Service and Patch Editor Maggie Avants contributed to this report.

Photo: Sdsheriff.net