A pilot has had a lucky escape after making an emergency landing at Royal Newcastle Aero Club at Rutherford this morning.
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Emergency services were called to the New England Highway site around 10am with reports of a twin engine aircraft in difficulty.
Royal Newcastle Aero Club Director David Gilford confirmed the male pilot, from the Maitland area, was experiencing undercarriage difficulties.
The pilot was instructed to circle the aerodrome a number of times before landing. Fairfax Media understands this was to burn up excess fuel.
Mr Gilford said that on impact, the plane’s left-hand main wheel collapsed.
“The pilot is safe and was able to make a controlled landing,” Mr Gilford said.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said the pilot was assessed but he did not require any treatment from paramedics.
"There was only the pilot on board. He didn't have any landing gear, and began circling indefinitely to burn fuel off,” the spokesperson said.
The plane landed at 10.16 am.
A spokesperson for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said: "We are aware of the incident and are gathering further information. It is our understanding the left landing gear failed to extend and there were no injuries during the incident."
