A Hellenic Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing on Monday morning between the Mathia and Amarianos township in the Heraklio (Irakleio) prefecture in central-eastern Crete.

According to initial reports, the crew, the pilot and co-pilot, are in good health. Both were transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

First responders have arrived at the site where the helicopter is located, and the area has been cordoned off.

Speaking to local media outlet, a deputy mayor, Manolis Kourletakis, said the older model US-made helicopter (AB-205) had landed hard atop of an olive tree – a development that appears to have staved off a worst scenario.

An official statement by the air force general staff said the causes are under investigation, although a mechanical failure is suspected. The craft was conducting a maintenance flight southeast of the Kastelli Airport.