A helicopter carrying five people made an emergency landing near the Hilo Airport this afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said the helicopter was flying to Hilo when it declared an engine failure.

The helicopter made an emergency landing at about 1:15 p.m. by auto rotating to the ground and came to rest on its side outside the fence near the Hilo Airport, authorities said.

Gregor said there were no immediate reports of injuries and the damage to the helicopter remained unknown.

State transportation spokesman Caroline Sluyter said the aircraft was operated by Paradise Helicopter.

Paradise Helicopter was unavailable for comment.