Air force plane's cockpit fills with fumes

An air force Orion surveillance aircraft declared a full emergency as it was about to take off from Whenuapai air base in Auckland today when the cockpit filled with fumes.

The RNZAF said the Orion was taxiing to take off on a training flight when the fumes became apparent and the emergency was declared.

It turned back as there was a full turnout of the emergency firefighting crews. The 14 people on board were evacuated.

Air force spokeswoman Danielle Coe said everyone on board was given a medical check and maintenance staff were trying to find out what caused the fumes.

She said there was no obvious sign of damage.

- NZPA