LAKESIDE, Calif. -- A mechanical problem forced the crew of a Miramar-based military cargo helicopter to make an emergency landing in an East County field Thursday afternoon.

The tandem-rotor CH-46 "Sea Knight" touched down safely near the intersection of El Monte Road and Miss Ellie Lane in Lakeside about 3 p.m., sheriff's Lt. Larry Nesbit said. No injuries or property damage were reported.

The pilots decided to make the precautionary set-down after the helicopter's hydraulic system lost fluid and pressure, said 2nd Lt. Gregory Wolf, a public information officer for Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The aircraft, which is assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, sustained no damage in the landing, Wolf said.

Repair efforts were under way late this afternoon, the USMC spokesman said.\