Pilot rescued after helicopter lands in 3 feet of water near Jones Beach

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Helicopter pilot recovering following emergency landing off Long Island

The private helicopter landed in three feet of water on the bay side of Loop Parkway near Jones Beach and Long Beach at 4:15 p.m.

POINT LOOKOUT, New York (WABC) -- Officials are investigating after a helicopter landed in three feet of water on Long Island on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, a privately-owned helicopter made an emergency landing, due to weather conditions, in the waters of Meadows Island near the Loop Parkway.

They say the 64-year-old pilot was able to land in approximately three feet of water.

Nassau County Police Marine 4 was able to locate the victim and with the assistance of the Merrick Fire Department was able to transport the pilot to the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station.

The pilot was then transported by a Nassau County Police ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, including a facial laceration, and back and rib pain.

Along with the Aviation Unit, the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables were involved in assisting in the rescue operation.

The FAA released the following preliminary statement:

A Bell 206B helicopter crashed into the water near Point Lookout, N.Y. today at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time. Only the pilot was aboard. Please contact local officials for the pilot's name and medical condition. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The FAA will release the aircraft tail number once investigators verify it at the scene. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation. The aircraft registration number is N716VL. You can find registration information at www.faa.gov.

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