San Francisco

Coast Guard Chopper Crash Lands at SFO During Training Exercise

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crash-landed at San Francisco International Airport while it was conducting a hovering training exercise Monday afternoon.

There were two pilots aboard the chopper and both were able to walk away from the crash. The pilots suffered no injuries and were transported to a hospital as a precaution only, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard had previously said the pilots had suffered minor injuries. The pilots have been released from the hospital.

The MH-65 Dolphin chopper made a "hard landing" according to SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel. According to a Coast guard spokesperson, the chopper, while hovering approximately 10 feet from the ground at 2:55 p.m., experienced an apparent malfunction as the pilot attempted to land

It was on its side next to the Coast Guard hangar tarmac on the north side of SFO when emergency crews reached the scene.

Airport operations were not affected.

An investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Four helicopters and approximately 100 personnel are based at the Coast Guard Air Station located at the SFO. They provide search-and-rescue, law enforcement, port security and other emergency services in the region.

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