Helicopter Pilot Avoids Homes Upon Making Emergency Landing In N.J.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A pilot managed to steer a failing helicopter away from homes Monday upon making an emergency landing in Cape May County, New Jersey.

Cape May County Freeholder Director Jerry Thornton told The Press of Atlantic City that the aircraft owned by the county's Mosquito Control Department had mechanical problems and had to land around 10:30 a.m. Monday in Cape May Court House.

A passenger had non-life-threatening injuries and lost consciousness for a time. The pilot was unhurt. Authorities have not released the name of either but said both are employees of the mosquito department.

The Hiller UH 12 took down tree limbs as it crashed. It hit an oak tree and turned on its side before it hit the ground. The font was on a field owned by the local board of education. The tail was in a home's garden.

``I thought it hit the house, it was so loud,'' said Rose Hamer, who lives in the home where the garden was hit.

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration sent out investigators.

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