A helicopter made a forced landing in southwest China on Wednesday after a mechanical malfunction. All passengers onboard were safe.

The Super Puma helicopter with 13 crew members and relief staff onboard from Citic Offshore Helicopter Co. Ltd., was heading to Shifang City, Sichuan Province to carry out a wild animal rescue mission when it encountered a mechanical breakdown. It landed in an open field near Siping County at 12:35 PM, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said.

Rescue helicopters were sent to the landing area, the CAAC said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 11, 2008)