Yorktown police say a private plane had to make a hard landing in Mohegan Lake Thursday after apparently experiencing mechanical difficulties.

The pilot landed in a large open field on the property of Shrub Oak International School on Stoney Street.

Police say someone saw the plane coming down around 12 p.m. and called authorities.

Officers responded quickly and found the pilot conscious and alert with minor injuries.

He was taken to Westchester Medical Center.

News 12 has learned that the pilot is a 66-year-old from Tuckahoe. His name is not currently being released.

Officials say he was flying in a single-engine Diamond Star DA40 from Westchester Airport to Orange County Airport and had mechanical issues.

He told them he couldn't hold or gain altitude. He tried to turn back to land at Westchester but couldn't and ended up in the field.

"He wisely selected a wide-open field to make a hard landing and we're grateful no one was injured with the exception of the pilot, who did suffer minor injuries being checked out at Westchester Medical Center. But he was on his feet, conscious alert, and answering all of our questions," said Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble.

The school was briefly on lockout until police confirmed this was a true accident and not a threat. There was some fuel leaking so Mohegan Lake Fire Department came to take care of that.

Police say the NTSB and FAA will investigate.

WATCH: Officials hold news conference on the plane landing