Air Force Orion lands safely after engine problem

Whenuapai Airbase. Photo / APN

An Air Force Orion has safely landed at Whenuapai Airbase after a propeller "malfunction" during a flight today.

Squadron Leader Don Richardson said crew became aware of the problem around 12pm.

"The crew shut down the engine and made the decision to make a precautionary landing," Mr Richardson said.

He stressed the landing was "precautionary" and the crew were not in any real danger.

The craft landed safely around 12.30pm.

The incident comes after an Air Force Boeing 757 was hit by lighting shortly after taking off from the Whenuapai Air Base on July 8, forcing the plane to return to base.