A Chinook helicopter was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Chippenham after suffering damage in a bird strike.
The huge military aircraft – which was on a training flight – touched down in a field off the A4 in Pewsham at around 10.10am today (Thursday).
The Boeing CH-47 Chinook had flown north-west from RAF Odiham in Hampshire before landing close to the busy road, after a rumoured fault.
An RAF spokesperson has since confirmed that the helicopter “suffered a birdstrike during a routine training flight”.
They said the aircraft landed as a precautionary measure and confirmed that “the crew are uninjured”.
An engineering team was dispatched from RAF Odiham to assess the damage caused to the helicopter.
“We would like to thank the landowners for their patience and assistance whilst we look to rectify the aircraft”, the spokesperson added.
The Chinook came down around 30 metres from the A4, with drivers slowing down or parking at the roadside to look at the unusual sight.
The heavy-lift military helicopter is operated by the Royal Air Force and is easily recognisable by its distinctive twin-rotor design.
Chinooks are used to transport troops, equipment and supplies, as well as supporting military operations and humanitarian missions.
It is not currently known how long the aircraft will remain in the field or when it will be able to continue its journey.
