Small plane in emergency landing

The pilot of a small plane with two passengers on board was forced to make an emergency landing at Hawke's Bay Airport last night after a hitch with the landing gear.

Witnesses said it appeared the nose wheel would not come down.

Emergency services responded to calls just after 9pm by people concerned about the plane, but arrived find it had landed safely and that no-one was injured.

Police spokesman Inspector Paul Jermy said the incident "certainly would have been frightening" for the people on board the plane.

The matter has been referred to the Civil Aviation Authority.

- NZPA