An investigation is under way today after two Army helicopters made heavy landings after experiencing difficulties.
The two Lynx helicopters, from RAF Wattisham in Suffolk, landed in a field near Tillingham yesterday afternoon. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said none of the five crew and pilots were injured.
He said: "Both of them made heavy landings. Both of them had some difficulties."
He was unable to give any details of the exercise they were on.
One helicopter remained in the field at the end of Marsh Road, Tillingham, yesterday evening after the incident.
Captain Matt Roberts, who is based at Wattisham, which comes under the umbrella of Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: "It was nothing too serious, just engine trouble, but the helicopter will have to be guarded overnight."
Capt Roberts said the first helicopter had hit a bird and had to land, and the second helicopter was asked to come to their assistance to inspect the aircraft.
The second helicopter, which had a senior aircraft technician on board, came to the ground to assist and as it came into land, it experienced engine trouble.
A third helicopter arrived so crew could find out what was going on but departed with the first helicopter.
Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003
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