The V-22 Osprey, made in Amarillo
/ File photo
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A V-22 Osprey helicopter, made in Amarillo, made a "precautionary landing" Wednesday afternoon just before 2:00.
According to Bill Schroeder, a representative from Bell Helicopter, the V-22 Osprey made the landing near Amarillo only as a precaution. Scanner traffic indicated the landing happened three miles west of Interstate 27, southwest of Loop 335 near Greyhawk.
Schroeder said the aircraft was being tested when it made the landing. He used the analogy of someone test driving a new car and pulling over because of the "Check Oil" light coming on.
"The pilots elected to land the aircraft as a precaution due to a suspected non-emergency maintenance problem which is undetermined at this time," said Schroeder.
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, according to Boeing, is the first aircraft designed to meet the needs of the U.S. Defense Department's four armed service from the ground up. It takes off and lands like a helicopter but can be rotated to convert into a turboprop airplane that is capable of flying at high speeds in high altitudes.
"Bell Helicopter puts all aircraft through a robust series of maintenance flight tests prior to delivery to the US Government," Schroeder added. "There were no injuries and no damage to the aircraft. "
