Big Island fire crews are responding to a report of a helicopter crash in Hilo off Waianuenue Avenue.

The pilot of the helicopter put down near the Wailuku River as a "precautionary measure," according to Bob Blair, an official with KNS Helicopters, which owns the aircraft. The company operates as Paradise Helicopters and Tropical Helicopters.

Blair said the helicopter was flying to see the volcano and the Boiling Pots area of the Wailuku River.

Blair said a full load for the helicopter is usually one pilot and four passengers. The company does about 10 flights a day out of Hilo, he said.

A witness said he heard the noise of the helicopter flying overhead, then the noise abruptly stopped, so he could tell something was wrong.

He got on an ATV and rode through a meadow to where the helicopter came to land, within about 100 yards from a power line.

The witness said he saw the craft leaning on its side after it crashed.