MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. – A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Humboldt Bay safely completed an emergency landing in a parking lot near Arcata Bay this afternoon following an electrical malfunction.
The aircrew launched one of their MH-65 dolphin helicopters to conduct hoist training at 12:45 p.m. and within 10 minutes noticed a significant amount of smoke in the cabin. The aircrew, acting in accordance with the Coast Guard’s emergency procedures, landed in a parking lot in Manila near the northern end of Arcata Bay. All four members aboard the helicopter have been reported safe and without injuries.
Maintenence crews from Air Station Humboldt Bay are developing a plan to return the helicopter to base and an investigation will follow to determine the cause of the mishap.
