Air Force Boeing lands safely after nose wheel problem

An air force Boeing 757 landed safely at Whenuapai in Auckland today after a problem with the nose wheel while doing a pass over a Scout flying school in Waikato.

The plane, with five crew on board, landed before 3pm.

Air Force spokesman Squadron Leader Ric Cullinane said the problem came to light about 2pm.

At the time, the aircraft was doing a pass over the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School at Matamata airfield.

"They started to do a pass with flaps and gear and there were indications on board that all was not right with the nose wheel system," he said.

"So they headed back to Whenuapai and en route went through the emergency check list. They made sure the nose gear was down with alternative systems and they landed safely."

- NZPA