Skydivers in emergency jump

A group of skydivers made an unscheduled jump yesterday after they saw smoke coming from their plane - leaving the pilot to make an emergency landing on his own.

The pilot, who had taken off from Taupo Airport, called airport control just after 3pm to say he was making an emergency landing - and he would be the only one on board.

As the Fire Service, police and ambulances rushed to the airport, the pilot sent his nine passengers flying out the back of the Cessna 402.

Sergeant Mark Robertson said the skydivers - four tandems and a single jumper - leaped to safety.

Station Officer Graeme Trainor of the Taupo Fire Service said the plane landed without any problems.

It appeared that smoke had become visible as one of the engines started overheating, possibly from leaking or spilled oil on the engine.

Mr Trainor said the pilot shut down the engine, which effectively stopped the smoke, preventing a fire from starting.

The skydiving company undertook its own recovery operation, collecting the skydivers from around the Hatepe area, 22km south of Taupo.

No one was injured - they said they actually enjoyed the spontaneous jump.

"The jumpers included two overseas tourists," said Mr Robertson, "and all thoroughly enjoyed their experience."