US helicopter makes "hard landing" in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Mar 1 (Reuters) A US helicopter made a ''hard landing'' in northern Iraq today, and initial reports said the cause was a mechanical problem, not hostile fire, the military said in a statement.

Two pilots on board the US Army OH-58 Kiowa helicopter were injured and had been evacuated, the statement added.

Residents in the area said they had seen the helicopter hit wires south of the city of Kirkuk.

A hard landing generally describes an emergency landing, but not a crash.

REUTERS PB DS1311