A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helicopter that was struck by a bird made a precautionary landing near a Lakewood intersection Sunday night, startling several motorists and causing a brief traffic jam.
The Air-24 -- an American Euro Copter -- was forced to land at about 8:50 p.m. Oct. 21, after the sheriff's fight crew heard a loud noise coming from the aircraft while in flight, Sgt. John Haughey of the LASD Aero Bureau said.
The chopper lowered itself onto the pavement between CVS Pharmacy and Mobil gas station located at Del Amo and Paramount boulevards, triggering a flurry of motorists to stop in the middle of the street or pull over to witness the unexpected landing, according to Patch reporter Terence Calacsan who captured the events unfold on video.
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After touching ground, the pilot performed an outside check of the helicopter which revealed that the loud nose was caused by a bird striking the fuselage (the cabin) above the pilot canopy, Haughey said.
No one was injured, and there was no property damage caused by the landing, the sergeant added.
LASD's helicopter mechanics will be assessing the damage to the aircraft, which may have to be moved via trailer, Haughey added.
Arriving deputies from the Lakewood Sheriff's Station helped guide traffic away from the landing site. Del Amo Boulevard between Paramount and Cherry Avenue will be shut down until at least 11 p.m., according to the department.
