Pilot crash lands into kiwifruit orchard

File photo / NZ Herald

A 63-year-old pilot has walked away with only minor injuries after he crash-landed into a kiwifruit orchard near Motueka Airport in Nelson.

Police said the crash happened at 12.39pm today.

Senior Sergeant Stu Koeofed said the pilot was the sole occupant.

The plane had engine problems as it tried to return to Motueka Airport. It landed short of the runway in an orchard.

The pilot walked away with only minor injuries.

The crash has been reported to Civil Aviation Authority.