Police: Ultralight Helicopter Crashes Near Mattituck Inlet

An ultralight helicopter crashed into a marsh near the Mattituck Inlet on Wednesday at 7:57 p.m., reported.

Erwin Rodger, 68, of Mattituck was attempting to fly the single-engine ultralight helicopter he owned over the inlet and was flying too low due to darkness, police said. He then crashed into a marsh area, flipped the helicopter and left the scene to walk home to his East Side Avenue residence, police said. After seeing rescue personnel looking for him, Rodger, who had facial injuries from the crash, returned to the scene, where he refused medical treatment, police said.

No charges have been filed and no other information was available from authorities at press time. Members of theand Suffolk County Aviation assisted Southold Town Police and Bay Constables at the scene.