Plane makes emergency landing at Nelson Airport

An Air West Coast plane with eight people aboard was forced to make an emergency landing at Nelson Airport last night after experiencing engine difficulties.

Sergeant Ian Langridge of Nelson police said the PA 31 Chieftian was en route from Wellington to Greymouth but diverted to Nelson after the pilot reported engine problems at 5.38pm.

Mr Langridge said the plane landed safely shortly before 5.50pm.

Emergency services were on standby at the airport and police had blocked off major intersections to create an emergency corridor from the airport to Nelson Hospital, he said.

The plane had six passengers and a pilot and co-pilot on board.

- nzpa