Helicopter makes emergency landing at Modesto elementary school

A helicopter pilot was forced to make an emergency landing at a Modesto elementary school Sunday morning after the aircraft developed mechanical problems, authorities said.

Police identified the pilot as Madera resident Scott Bursey. He was not injured and did not have any passengers.

Bursey was looking at land around La Grange in eastern Stanislaus County when he decided to refuel at Modesto Airport, Modesto police Sgt. David Chamberlain said. The helicopter developed mechanical problems and was forced to land at El Vista Elementary School, about a mile from the airport.

"I was scared," said Susanna Ballard, who lives across the street from the school. She was standing on the sidewalk with her 2-year-old son when she said the helicopter flew over them about 11 a.m. at low altitude.

"I was just waiting to hear the big boom," Ballard continued. "I was waiting for everything to explode."

Bursey landed his helicopter on the school's field. Ballard said she called 911, grabbed her son and ran across the street. She said she could not climb the school's chain-link fence but saw two men do so and come to Bursey's aid.

She said Bursey sat in the helicopter for a few minutes before getting out.

The helicopter was being hauled by truck to Madera on Sunday afternoon. Bursey declined to speak at length.

"I'm not going to discuss what I was doing up here," he said. "I appreciate it. Thank you."

The Federal Aviation Administration's Web site lists a Scott Christopher Bursey of Madera as having had a private pilot's license to fly a helicopter since 2008.

Chamberlain said the FAA was notified.

"They will decide what kind of investigation, if any, will be conducted," he said.

Modesto Regional Fire Authority firefighters also responded to the incident.

Bee staff writer Kevin Valine can be reached at kvaline@modbee.com or (209) 578-2316.

This story was originally published February 5, 2012 at 5:20 PM with the headline "Helicopter makes emergency landing at Modesto elementary school."