The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating why a Harvard crashed after landing at Wanaka Airport about 9.30am yesterday.
The pilot and his male passenger were uninjured, but the undercarriage of the World War 2 aircraft was badly damaged.
The plane came to rest on the grass next to the sealed runway, opposite the main stand where thousands of people were seated for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow on Saturday and Sunday.
Airshow general manager Ed Taylor said it was understood the aircraft, built in 1943, veered to the right on landing.
‘‘When the aircraft left the tarmac and went on to the grass area, one of the wheels collapsed, bringing the aircraft to a halt.''
Mr Taylor said he was relieved both on board were able to walk away uninjured.
The runway was closed until the Harvard was removed just before noon.
The crash disrupted the plans of visitors to the airport planning to take rides in some of the vintage aircraft that featured at the airshow.
CAA corporate communications spokesman Mike Richards said information on the crash was being gathered.
‘‘We will be reviewing photographs taken at the time and following the accident.
‘‘We will also be talking to witnesses as well as the operator.''
Once its investigator in charge had reviewed all the available information it would decide whether to inspect the damaged aircraft, which was now in storage in a hangar.
Airport manager Ralph Fegan said the response by emergency services had gone smoothly.
There was no damage to the runway, and it was back in operation during the afternoon.
The Harvard was at the airshow as part of the Roaring 40s Harvard Display Team.
●Members of the public told the Otago Daily Times of an incident involving a second Harvard yesterday morning when it dipped to the right as it was about to take off.
Its wingtip hit the tarmac and the pilot aborted the takeoff.
Harvard 92 appeared to be missing a wingtip when seen later in the plane park. Mr Taylor said he was unaware of the incident.
Mr Richards said CAA had not been informed of the second incident, but those involved with the plane had two weeks to report the event.
The Harvards are based at Ardmore Airport, near Auckland, and have attended the Wanaka airshow for many years.
