The pilot of a civilian helicopter made a noninjury crash landing near Swami's Beach in Encinitas today after the aircraft developed mechanical problems, a lifeguard official said.
The tail of the Robinson R22 broke off during the emergency landing, which was reported at 8:05 a.m., said Encinitas lifeguard Capt. Larry Giles.
The helicopter, which was carrying two flight instructors, took off from Palomar Airport this morning, Giles said. Its destination was not immediately reported.
The helicopter landed about five feet away from the water line, a news helicopter video showed.
The helicopter's occupants remained at the scene, along and emergency responders, awaiting the arrival of Federal Aviation Administration investigators, Giles said.
