Jaipur, Nov 20 (IANS): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had a narrow escape Sunday when the helicopter he was flying in developed a technical snag and had to make an emergency landing in Jhunjhunu district, sources said.

The incident took place near Pilani town of the district, some 190 km from here, while the chief minister was on his way to take part in a function in Churu district.

"The pilot realised that the chopper blades were not functioning properly. Unable to control the chopper's movements properly, he thought it was better to make an emergency landing in a field at Chandpur (about 10 kms ahead of Pilani)," a spokesperson at the chief minister's office told IANS.

However, Gehlot was safe and started his journey to Nangalbari village in Churu by road, where he later took part in a function to inaugurate a sports centre.

Besides Gehlot, the Italian-made Augusta chopper was carrying two staffers from the state secretariat.

"What caused the snag is being investigated," the official added.