Officials say high winds may have been the cause of a helicopter crash in Lake Winnipesaukee off Meredith Neck.

All four people aboard the chopper escaped injury when it fell into the water while approaching a landing pad on Pine Island off Meredith Neck shortly before noon Monday.

The pilot was identified as Glenn Tonnesen, a doctor from Falls Church, Va. Tonnesen and his three passengers made it safely to shore.

The accident occurred close to the Y Landing Marina on Meredith Neck.

An employee at Y Landing in Meredith said a few customers saw the incident and reported it to marina employees. He also said there were windy conditions around the area at the time.

Alison Duquette, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, said the accident involving the Robinson R44 helicopter occurred at 11:47 a.m. as the aircraft was attempting to land on a dock and flipped over into the water. She confirmed that there were no injuries.

Duquette was unable to comment on whether the gusty winds could have played a role in the mishap, but said an FAA investigator was expected to be on the scene today to gather more information. She added the aircraft was expected to be retrieved by today.

According to FAA records, the four-seater helicopter is registered to Tonnesen Aviation of Gilmanton.

The New Hampshire Marine Patrol said arrangements were being made to recover the helicopter, which sank in about 10 feet of water.

The helicopter was still submerged in an estimated early Monday evening with buoys marking the site.

A message left on the answering machine at a number listed for Glenn Tonnesen on Pine Island was not immediately returned Monday evening.

New Hampshire Marine Patrol was investigating the incident.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.