Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing Near Hwy 101

The pilot of a helicopter heading toward Palo Alto Airport made an emergency landing in the Baylands Nature Preserve this afternoon and walked away with minor injuries, Palo Alto police said.

The helicopter, a Robinson R-22, experienced engine problems and landed near Embarcadero Road and Highway 101 in Palo Alto, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said.

Palo Alto police responded to reports of a helicopter crash in the marsh near the 2600 block of East Bayshore Boulevard at around 4:45 p.m.

The pilot was the only person on board and suffered only minor injuries, police said.

The aircraft is registered to Parker Helicopter, LLC in Capitola in Santa Cruz County.

The small helicopter appeared to be a two-seater training helicopter, according to bystander Josh Thorwaldson.

He said the helicopter was on its side in about 4 feet of water this evening and no smoke or flames were seen.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating, Gregor said.

--Bay City News