Chopper makes forced landing

JAKARTA (JP): Rain and strong winds forced a police helicopter to make an emergency landing on a racecourse in Pamulang, Tangerang, on Monday, police said yesterday.

The helicopter was returning from securing first day campaign activities in Jakarta. Pilot Capt. Purnomo, co-pilot Capt. Yan Pitro and mechanic Edi Achmadi were unhurt.

National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. Nurfaizi denied yesterday that sabotage or human error was involved.

"It was purely bad weather," he said.

Natu, a local, said the helicopter hovered above their houses before landing in a pond, Pos Kota daily reported yesterday.

He said the helicopter's tail end plunged in the two-meter- deep pond while the front came to rest at the pond's edge.

People flocked to the scene before South Jakarta Police precinct arrived.

Nurfaizi said the incident would not affect police's ability to secure the election. (jun/cst)