Plane makes safe emergency landing

The plane is believed to be a privately-owned Chieftain, like the one pictured. File photo / Kenny Rodger

A plane has successfully landed in Palmerston North airport despite problems with its landing gear that forced it to abort several landing attempts.

A full emergency was declared as the plane circled over the airport, unable to land, said airport chief executive Garry Goodman.

Police, fire services and ambulances had been called out after the emergency developed about 11am, when the pilot found he could not fully lock his landing gear. After a few attempts at manoeuvring the plane on to a safe course, the plane finally made a landing at 11.55am, Mr Goodman said.

The landing gear had held the weight of the plane but was quickly secured with a pin once the plane came to a stop, he said.

Four people were on-board the private "Chieftain" craft and crew were yet to identify the exact problem, Mr Goodman said.

- NZHERALD STAFF