‘Forced landing’

National Security Minister Jack Warner, in confirming the incident, said all systems are in place with regards to an investigation to get to the bottom of what happened and he also expressed his relief that the sole occupant of the aircraft — the pilot — was unhurt.

According to a spokesman of the National Helicopter Services, at about 8.45 am yesterday, the helicopter was providing aerial surveillance support to policemen who were on a marijuana eradication exercise about three miles into the forests.

For reasons, not yet known, the helicopter had to “force land” causing extensive damage to the aircraft.

“As National Security Minister, I have been apprised of the situation and I’m advised that all protocols with respect to the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident are in place. I am relieved to be told that the pilot was not badly hurt,” Warner told Newsday.

Warner said the helicopter was part of a Police drug eradication exercise when it crash landed.

“The only passenger at the time was the pilot, as he had dropped off police officers in the field and was on his way back to base in Couva. He was airlifted by a National Security Operations Centre chopper unit to acquire medical treatment at the San Fernando General Hospital,” Warner said.

“The pilot was a bit shaken and had some chest pains. But I am relieved to know that he is ok,” Warner said. A police source later told Newsday at no time was any sensitive National Security equipment compromised following the “forced landing” as officers who were on the ground, secured the helicopter as they waited for heavy machinery to assist in removing the downed helicopter.

A source at the National Helicopter Services said that the particular helicopter was about 20 years old but was in excellent condition prior the “forced landing” situation.

When a Newsday crew visited Granville yesterday, armed police offices blocked the road leading to the forest. The spokesman said weather conditions were good so pending the outcome of an investigation, it is not yet known what caused the “forced landing”. There were unconfirmed reports last night that the helicopter may have struck a tree before the “forced landing.”