Army helicopter makes 'hard landing' in Iraq; preliminary reports indicate mechanical problem

(AP) A U.S. Army helicopter made a "hard landing" in northern Iraq and preliminary reports indicated a mechanical problem, the military said Thursday. The two crew members were injured.

The OH-58 Kiowa helicopter, mostly used in surveillance and light attacks, came down south of Kirkuk, a military statement said.

The two pilots were rescued and taken for medical treatment, but the statement gave no details on their injuries.

"Preliminary reporting shows the cause of the hard landing was mechanical and not hostile fire," it said.

Last week, ground fire forced the downing of a Black Hawk north of Baghdad, the military said. At least eight U.S. helicopters have crashed or been brought down by hostile fire this year in Iraq.