Today, about 12:45hrs, Devonport Airport authorities were advised of an Aircraft in Distress.  The call came from the pilot of the aircraft, a replica P51 Mustang fighter plane.  This aircraft was being piloted by a local 60 year old pilot.  He was the only occupant of the plane.  It is a non commercial, recreational aircraft.

The aircraft took off from Devonport Airport about 12:10hrs.  The pilot reported that the plane was traveling well and that on returning to the airport and preparing to land, he was unable to get the wheels down.

The pilot then alerted airport authorities of his dilemma and for them to get emergency services prepared.  They then immediately activated their Airport Emergency Plan.

Just as emergency services arrived at the airport, the pilot commenced his landing, attempting to land on a grass secondary airstrip for safety purposes.

As the plane landed, the right hand wing touched the ground, digging into the ground which in turn caused the plane to slew around to its right and come to a standstill.  The pilot was then able to get out of the plane without assistance.  He was slightly 'shaken' but otherwise not injured. There was only relative minor damage to the plane.

Together with Devonport Airport authorities, 3 x Tas Fire Service Units, 2 x Tas Ambulance Service units and 4 x Tasmania Police units attended the incident.

TasPorts, the managers of the Devonport Airport, will be compiling a full report for Recreational Aviation Australia, the Relevant Governing Authority, as will Tasmania Police.

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