Helicopter pilot checks for damage

An equipment problem prompted a precautionary landing by a Air Evac helicopter about five miles south of Dutchtown Tuesday afternoon. The craft was headed to St. Francis Medical Center.

"The pilot heard noises outside the aircraft that sounded like hail," said Jack Bates, director of administration for Air Evac. "He inspected the craft and found no visible damage."

A few minutes later, the pilot took the craft back in the air and landed at St. Francis shortly afterward without further incident. A patient was aboard the aircraft, having been airlifted from a medical emergency scene in Ripley County.