Navy helicopter takes off from VB field

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - A military helicopter that made a precautionary landing in an open field April 26 has taken off to return to Naval Station Norfolk.

Officials said there were eight people on board the MH-53E Sea Dragon landed off Harpers Road near Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach Thursday afternoon.

There were no injuries reported and the helicopter was not damaged.

The Navy says an indicator light came on in the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter shortly after take off. The pilot decided to land the helicopter immediately, so the crew brought it down safely in the field.

"A fire light came on, which is the auxiliary power unit that is used to start the aircraft," said Commander Nick Garcia.

Fearing the chopper was on fire, the crew used its fire suppressant system, but the light didn't go off. So, the pilot landed the aircraft in an empty field off Harpers Road.

"After the aircraft landed, they did an inspection of the area and there was no evidence of fire," Garcia added.

The crew was in the middle of a training mission that began in North Carolina. Officials said the crew made a stop at Oceana before taking off to head back to base at Naval Station Norfolk.

Maintenance crews from Naval Station Norfolk Chamber's Field responded to the scene. The helicopter will be flown back to Naval Station Norfolk Friday.

WAVY.com was told mechanics believe a short in a wire caused the activation of the indicator light.