A small passenger plane been forced to make an emergency landing at Blenheim Airport.
The Sounds Air Cessna with six passengers and a pilot left Wellington just before 1pm on Wednesday bound for Koromiko near Picton.
After the pilot reported intermittent engine problems, it was forced to make an emergency landing in Blenheim. A small panel fell off as it landed.
All on board got off the plane safely and emergency crews were stood down.
Blenheim Airport chief executive Dean Heiford said the situation was handled quickly and effectively by Defence Force personnel from neighbouring RNZAF Woodbourne, as well as other emergency responders.
Sounds Air and the Civil Aviation Authority will investigate the incident.
