Emergency Landing Left The Helo In A Marsh Near Palo Alto Airport

The pilot of a Robinson R-22 helicopter (similar aircraft pictured)  was uninjured when she executed an emergency landing in wetlands near Palo Alto Airport.

FAA Spokesman Ian Gregor told the Associated Press that the accident occurred about 1645 PDT Thursday. The pilot reportedly experienced engine problems on approach to the airport and "made an emergency landing short of the airport in a marshy area right near Embarcadero Road and Highway 101" according to Gregor.

The Palo Alto Daily News reports that witnesses said they noticed the aircraft flying much lower than normal even near the airport. The pilot sustained only minor injuries getting out of the helo in the marsh. It was laying on its side in about 4 feet of water when first responders arrived at the scene.

Palo Alto Police Lt. Zach Perron told the paper that the pilot had done "an outstanding job" bringing the aircraft down in the marsh rather than impacting a building or coming down in the busy highway.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov