Helicopter Landing Surprises Park-Goers

A game of softball was delayed Sunday when a Korean War-era helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a Simi Valley park after experiencing mechanical trouble, authorities said.

The helicopter set down just before 4 p.m. at the eastern end of Rancho Santa Susana Community Park on Los Angeles Avenue, said Simi Valley Police Sgt. Anthony Anzilotti.

The aircraft was en route to Chino from Point Mugu when the pilot noticed engine trouble. “They decided to make a landing rather than chance a crash,” Anzilotti said.

The incident surprised soccer and softball players as well as employees at the park’s community center.

“I was working at the desk and heard a large thumping. It vibrated the building a little bit,” said recreation department employee Scott Blough. “I didn’t know we had a helicopter out there until somebody called and asked if we had a helicopter pad.”

About two dozen people gathered around the aircraft, and the two-man crew, including flight medic Mike Blaylock, allowed children to sit inside, Anzilotti said.

“Blaylock told me the aircraft is the last one of its kind,” Anzilotti said.

No one was injured, and the incident turned out to provide unexpected fun for those at the park. “It made for an interesting Sunday afternoon,” Anzilotti said.

The crew planned to stay with the aircraft overnight to make the necessary repairs, and would likely resume their trip today, Anzilotti said.