Small plane crash in paddock north of Christchurch

Two men suffered broken bones when a small plane crashed into a paddock north of Christchurch yesterday.

The plane went down at Burnt Hill, near the North Canterbury town of Oxford, about 5.45pm yesterday, police southern communications Inspector Murray Hurst said.

The 27-year-old and 32-year-old occupants of the plane, believed to be a Tomahawk, suffered broken legs and a broken arm.

Their injuries were not life-threatening and both men were conscious after the crash, Mr Hurst said.

"The pilot rang the ambulance service."

Both men were taken to hospital by the Christchurch Based Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The cause of the accident was not yet known.

"I don't know whether he was coming in to land or whether he had engine trouble or what, so I guess that will all come out in the wash," Mr Hurst said.

A rescue helicopter spokesperson said the plane crashed into an open flat paddock.

Due to the remote access of the scene additional St John paramedics and fire service staff with cutting equipment were flown into the scene to assist with extrication of the patients.

The crash would be investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority.