Ultralight Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing in Aquebogue Field

A 71-year-old man piloting an ultralight helicopter he built himself made an emergency landing in a sod field Sunday, according to Riverhead police.

At 3:57 p.m. Sunday police responded to a reported helicopter crash north of Vineyard Way in Aquebogue. It turned out not to be a crash. Police said pilot Erwin S. Rodger told them that while flying his Mosquito ultralight helicopter in the area of Church Lane, he had a mechanical issue and needed to make an emergency landing.

“The ultralight helicopter is a kit that was put together by Mr. Rodger and there is no room for passengers,” police explained.

Rodger said he did not suffer major injuries, but he was taken via Riverhead Town Volunteer Ambulance to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead for evaluation.

The Federal Aviation Administration was notified and will be investigating this incident, police said.