Military helicopter evacuated after engine fire reported at Ohakea air base

The incident involved an A109 helicopter. File photo / NZPA/Ross Setford

A military helicopter had to make an emergency landing this morning after indications of a fire.

An investigation of the craft is now under way, with no external evidence of a fire on the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) A109 helicopter.

A Defence Force spokeswoman said the AgustaWestland lightweight chopper showed indications of a fire at 10.26am.

“The crew declared an emergency and a full response was activated by Base Ohakea and local Fire and Emergency NZ," the spokeswoman said.

The aircraft landed at Ohakea at 10.28am and the crew evacuated.

“There was no external evidence of fire, but the aircraft is now being investigated.”

The emergency state was cancelled just before 11am.

A Fire and Emergency shift manager earlier confirmed they had sent an appliance to assist with the “incident” at RNZAF Base Ohakea, but given it was happening on a military base he declined to comment further.

He directed further queries to the New Zealand Defence Force.

Ohakea is one of three military air bases in New Zealand.