Watch CBS News

Homemade Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing On Long Island

AQUEBOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after the pilot of a homemade ultralight helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing on Long Island Sunday afternoon.

Officials said mechanical problems forced the aircraft to land in a sod farm field behind a residential neighborhood north of Vineyard Way in Aquebogue.

The pilot, 71-year-old Erwin Rodger, was found unconscious and covered in gasoline outside of the helicopter, police said.

Rodger, of Mattituck, was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for evaluation, but did not suffer serious injuries, Newsday reported.

Rodger had built the Mosquito ultralight helicopter himself using a kit, according to authorities.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.