GANDER, N.L. - The crew of a military helicopter is safe and sound after making a forced landing in Newfoundland and Labrador when the blades of the chopper hit a tree.

The Cormorant, carrying a crew of three, was on a training mission when the accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. Thursday just south of Gander.

A second helicopter was sent to the scene and took the three uninjured crew members back to base in Gander.

The rescue centre in Halifax says all five blades on the Cormorant were damaged and will have to be replaced.

That work is expected to be done over the next couple of days.

Details on exactly what caused the accident are not yet available.