Landing gear fault forces plane back to Christchurch

A flight from Christchurch to Auckland had to turn around shortly after take off because the aircraft's landing gear failed to retract.

Air New Zealand flight NZ538 from Christchurch to Auckland departed at 12.45pm on Saturday but returned to Christchurch Airport and landed safely at about 1pm.

Air New Zealand communications manager Hannah Searle was keen to clarify the aircraft did not make an emergency landing.

"While safety was not compromised at any stage, flying with the landing gear down increases drag so the decision was made to return to Christchurch," she said.

"The aircraft landed without incident and customers have been moved to another aircraft.

"Engineers will inspect the aircraft."

NZHerald