Oxford plane incident: Small plane nose-dives after takeoff in North Canterbury
Two pilots had a lucky escape when they emerged unhurt after an aircraft took a “nose-dive” shortly after takeoff in North Canterbury this morning.
Emergency services responded to the crash on Steffens Rd in Oxford about 10.15am.
A Fire and Emergency shift manager said three crews, two from Oxford and one from Rangiora, responded after a “small plane” with two people on board nose-dived after takeoff.
They said the incident occurred in a paddock on a private property.
Nicola Lancaster witnessed the incident from her home and said the plane “kind of flipped”, frightening her horses.
Lancaster said it appeared the plane had slightly made it into the air before coming down again. She then rushed to call emergency services.
Both occupants got themselves out of the plane, and medical treatment wasn’t required, Fire and Emergency said.
Photos of the incident show the damaged aircraft grounded near a large hedge.
Metal from one of the wings has torn, forcing the plane into a lean.
Hato Hone St John confirmed that it was called to the incident but was stood down while on its way because no one was injured.
“Hato Hone St John was notified of this incident at Steffens Road, Oxford, at 10.12am today, dispatching two ambulances, one operations manager and one rapid response vehicle.
“They were stood down en route to the scene as not required.”
Police said they were alerted by Hato Hone St John and Fire and Emergency about 10.15am.
“It looks like it was a small aircraft that may have failed to take off; the two people in the plane are reportedly fine,” a police spokesperson said.