Scouting student crashes small plane at Matamata Aerodrome

Emergency services were called after the plane crashed at 8am. Photo / File

Scouts New Zealand has confirmed one of its students was involved in the minor plane crash at Matamata.

Fire and emergency shift manager Paul Radden said the two-seater plane crashed at 8am today.

The two occupants were out of the plane and uninjured.

A spokesperson for the Scouts New Zealand Aviation School said a young student on their first solo flight "landed hard, collapsing the front wheel of the aircraft".

"The student was not injured in the incident. There is moderate damage to the aircraft.

"Scouts New Zealand has notified the parents of the incident, and have temporarily suspended flight operations at the Walsh Memorial Flight School. The student is being supported."

The Walsh Memorial Scout Flying school is 53-years old and trains about 70 young people in flying and essential aviation skills.

This year about 44 students will fly solo for the first time, joining the ranks of over 2,500 alumni who have successfully completed the Walsh Aviation School.

One fire appliance has remained at the scene to help clean up a small fuel leak.

A police spokeswoman said they were first notified of a plane in trouble at 8.03am before it encountered a "heavy landing".

However, other than a bit of fuel leakage from its landing the plane was not seriously damaged and the pilot was able to walk away.