PHOTO: Northland plane crash scene

A man and woman have walked away with minor injuries after a light plane emergency landing near Dargaville.

The pilot landed in a paddock when the two-seater plane developed engine trouble not far from Dargaville.

St John Ambulance staff treated the pair who were taken to Dargaville Hospital.

Four fire volunteer appliances from Dargaville, two from Te Kopuru and police attended.

The accident was reported about 10.30am on Pouto Rd, near Dargaville township.

Dargaville deputy fire chief Mike Ross said it appeared engine failure forced the two occupants to crash land the aircraft on a paddock on the side of a hill in light wind.

It was not raining at the time.

The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified and will investigate the incident.