Trainee and pilot unhurt

Farmers in Matura stared in amazement on Wednesday afternoon as a helicopter driven by a trainee pilot landed in a watermelon field in Matura.

Reports revealed that around 3 pm, the helicopter from Hummingbird Aviation Trading Limited of Western Main Road, Cocorite, was en route from Tobago during a training session, and driven by trainee pilot Vijay Rampersad. Scottish pilot William Pollock, who was training Rampersad was also seated in the helicopter when it developed engine problems. Reports revealed that Pollock took control of the helicopter and landed in a watermelon field. He then radioed for assistance and Deputy Director of Civil Aviation, Daniel Bhagwansingh, other Civial Aviation officers and Julien Mills, a Director of Hummingbird Aviation went to the scene of the forced landing.

The mechanical problem was sorted out at 6 pm and Pollock drove the helicopter to Piarco. Reports revealed that a pilot and police officers on board a National Security helicopter, which was also in the area, heard the call and radioed for help to the Matura Police Station. A team of officers led by Inspector Edmond Thomas went to the scene. The National Security aircraft had been deployed to do surveillance work along the coast at Maracas and Manzanilla, due to the heavy crowd presence at both beaches. Both Rampersad and Pollock suffered no injuries as a result of the forced landing. The black Eustron 280-C Helicopter was inspected by a team of aviation specialists yesterday.